Ken–Betwa Link Project
Type: India’s first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers.
Rivers involved: Links the Ken River (surplus) with the Betwa River (deficit).
States covered: Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Implementing Agency: National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Purpose: To provide irrigation, drinking water, hydropower generation, and drought mitigation in the Bundelkhand region.
Major Components:
- Daudhan Dam on the Ken River.
- Ken–Betwa Link Canal.
- Powerhouses and irrigation infrastructure.
Benefits:
- Irrigation to over 10 lakh hectares (approx.).
- Drinking water supply to around 62 lakh people.
- Hydropower generation of about 103 MW and 27 MW solar power.
Environmental Concerns:
- Submergence of part of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Loss of forest cover and wildlife habitat.
- Impact on Ken River’s ecological flow.
Ken River:
- Originates near Ahirgawan village, Katni district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Major tributary of the Yamuna River.
Betwa River:
- Originates in the Vindhya Range near Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Tributary of the Yamuna River.
Constitutional Aspect: Water is a State Subject (Entry 17, State List), while regulation and development of inter-State rivers fall under Entry 56, Union List.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. With reference to the Ken–Betwa Link Project, consider the following statements:
- It is India’s first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan.
- It links two tributaries of the Yamuna River.
- The project involves the construction of the Daudhan Dam inside the Panna Tiger Reserve landscape.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (A) 1 and 2 only
- (B) 2 and 3 only
- (C) 1, 2 and 3
- (D) 1 only
Answer: C
Remember this project by the keywords “First River Interlinking Project – Bundelkhand – Daudhan Dam – Panna Tiger Reserve – Ken & Betwa (both tributaries of the Yamuna).
