Ken-Betwa Link Project ? Explaind.

 Ken-Betwa Link Project 

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a proposed inter-basin water transfer project in India that aims to transfer water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh. The project is significant as it aims to address water scarcity issues in the region by providing irrigation and drinking water to the drought-prone areas of Bundelkhand, as well as power generation through the construction of two dams. However, the project has been controversial, as it would also result in the displacement of local communities and the submergence of a significant area of the Panna Tiger Reserve, raising concerns about its environmental impact.

The key issue of the Ken-Betwa Link Project 

One of the key issues of the Ken-Betwa Link Project is its potential environmental impact. The project involves the construction of two dams, which would result in the submergence of a significant area of the Panna Tiger Reserve, a protected wildlife area. This could lead to the displacement of local communities, as well as the loss of habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Additionally, the project could potentially have negative impacts on the water quality and flow of the rivers involved, which could have downstream effects on other ecosystems and communities that rely on these rivers. Another key issue is the potential negative impact on the local communities living in the area as they would be displaced from their homes and livelihoods.

Why is Ken-Betwa Link Project in the news?

The Ken-Betwa Link Project has been in the news recently because of the ongoing debate over its environmental impact and the potential displacement of local communities. The project was first proposed in the 1980s and has been under consideration by the Indian government for several decades. In recent years, there have been renewed efforts to move forward with the project, with the Indian government and the World Bank providing funding for the project's feasibility study and other preparations. However, the project has faced significant opposition from environmental groups and local communities, who argue that the project's potential negative impacts outweigh any potential benefits. The matter has been taken to the court and is still ongoing, that's why it is in the news.

Ken-Betwa Link Project timeline

The Ken-Betwa Link Project was first proposed in the 1980s as a way to address water scarcity issues in the drought-prone regions of Bundelkhand. The project would involve the construction of two dams, which would transfer water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh.

The following is a timeline of key events related to the Ken-Betwa Link Project:

• 1980s: The project is first proposed as a solution to water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region.

• 2004: The Indian government's Ministry of Water Resources conducts a feasibility study of the project.

• 2008: The World Bank provides funding for a detailed project report and an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

• 2011: The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) grants environmental clearance for the project.

• 2013: The Ministry of Water Resources and the Uttar Pradesh government jointly submit a proposal to the World Bank for funding the project.

• 2014: The World Bank approves funding for the project's feasibility study and other preparatory activities.

• 2018: The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) grants clearance to the project with certain conditions.

• 2019: The National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) recommended the project for clearance, but with certain conditions.

• 2020: The government of India and the World Bank signed an agreement for the Ken-Betwa Link Project, despite protests and legal challenges.

• 2021: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has stayed the construction of the project until further notice.

This is a general timeline, more detailed information can be sourced from the Indian government's Ministry of Water Resources. The project is still ongoing and the matter is in the court.