Ken-Betwa River Linking Project: Environmental Concerns and Impacts

Ken-Betwa River Linking Project: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, aiming to transfer water from the Ken river to the Betwa river. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Highlights of the Project:

• The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km long.
• Expected to provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares of land.
• To supply drinking water to about 62 lakh people.
• Generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.

Project Phases:

• Phase-I includes the Daudhan Dam complex.
• Phase-II involves Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.

Environmental and Social Impacts

The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project has raised concerns due to its potential environmental and social impacts:

Likely Impacts:

• Large-scale deforestation in the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve.
• Displacement of families due to submergence and acquisition.
• Affected wildlife habitats including Gharials and vulture nesting sites.

Key Concerns:

• Impact on land-atmosphere interplay and rainfall patterns.
• Submergence of Panna National Park and potential loss of biodiversity.
• Disruption of successful tiger reintroduction efforts.

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams

• The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project aims to transfer water between the Ken and Betwa rivers.
• Environmental concerns include deforestation, wildlife displacement, and biodiversity loss.
• Project completion is expected in eight years, with significant irrigation and power generation benefits.