PM Modi Lays Foundation for Ken-Betwa River-Linking Project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ambitious Ken-Betwa river-linking project, aimed at addressing water scarcity in Bundelkhand. Estimated at ₹45,000 crore, the project will benefit districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, providing drinking water to 62 lakh people and irrigating 10.62 lakh hectares of farmland.
The project involves transferring surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa basin via the Daudhan dam and a 230-kilometer canal. It will also generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
While the initiative promises significant socio-economic benefits, concerns have been raised about its environmental impact, particularly on the Panna Tiger Reserve. The government has assured that measures will be taken to mitigate ecological damage.
This project is a crucial step toward addressing water challenges in India, balancing development with sustainability.