Ken-Betwa River Linking Project

General Studies Paper -1

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the interstate Ken-Betwa river linking project.

Ken-Betwa River Linking Project

• In 2021, a memorandum of agreement was signed among the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement the Ken-Betwa Link Project.
• Project:
  • Transferring water from the Ken river to the Betwa river, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
  • The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km in length, including a 2-km tunnel.
  • It has two phases. Phase-I will involve building the Daudhan Dam complex and its subsidiary units.
  • Phase-II will involve three components — Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project and Kotha Barrage.
  • It is the project under the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers

Regions to be Benefited:

• The project lies in Bundelkhand, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• The project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved region.
• Completion: It is proposed to be implemented in eight years.

Significance of River Linking Projects

• Reduction of Water Scarcity: It helps transfer surplus water from water-rich regions to water-deficient areas, addressing water scarcity issues.
• Improved Water Availability for Agriculture: Increased water availability in dry regions to enhance agricultural productivity.
• Mitigation of Floods: Interlinking rivers help distribute excess water during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of floods in specific regions.
• Increased Hydropower Potential: The construction of reservoirs and canals for interlinking projects create opportunities for hydropower generation.
• Job Creation: The construction and maintenance of interlinking infrastructure create job opportunities, contributing to economic development.
• Conflict Resolution: River interlinking projects potentially reduce inter-state disputes over water resources by providing a more equitable distribution of water.

Concerns with the River Linking Projects

• Ecosystem Disruption: Altering natural river courses and diverting water can disrupt ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, changes in biodiversity, and potential extinction of species.
• Displacement of Communities: The construction of dams, reservoirs, and canals for river interlinking result in the displacement of communities, leading to social and economic hardships for affected populations.
• Inter-State Disputes: River interlinking projects often involve multiple states, and disagreements arise over water sharing, leading to inter-state disputes.
• Financial Viability: The construction of large-scale infrastructure for river interlinking projects can be economically challenging, with costs often exceeding initial estimates.
• Seismic Risks: Areas prone to earthquakes face increased risks due to the construction of large dams and other infrastructure.
• Maintenance Issues: Neglecting maintenance can lead to system failures and adverse consequences.
• Community Resistance: Local communities and environmental activists often oppose river interlinking projects due to concerns about their impact on the environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

• Addressing the concerns requires comprehensive planning, environmental impact assessments, community engagement, and transparent decision-making processes.
• Sustainable water management practices, incorporating modern technologies and adaptive strategies, are essential to mitigate the potential negative consequences of river interlinking projects.