Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), Components and Benefits

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa river-linking project which is aimed at solving the water woes of the Bundelkhand region.

About Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)

• KBLP aims to transfer excess water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the
• It was the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
• Ken River: Originates near Ahirgawan in Katni district (MP) and travels a distance of 427 km, before merging with the Yamuna at Chilla village (Banda) in Uttar Pradesh.
• Betwa River: Originates in the Vindhya Range (near Hoshangabad, MP), and travels a distance of 590 km, before merging with the Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).

Components

• Ken-Betwa Link Canal: 221 km in length (including a 2 km tunnel) for water diversion.
• Phase-I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, related tunnels, canal, and powerhouses.
• Phase II: Building of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project and Kotha Barrage.

Benefits of the Project

• Irrigation: 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in Madhya Pradesh; 2.51 lakh ha in Uttar Pradesh).
• Drinking Water: 62 lakh people.
• Power Generation: 103 MW hydropower, 27 MW solar power.

Environmental Impacts of the Project

• Panna Tiger Reserve: The project would submerge over 10% of the core area of the tiger reserve (98 sq km).
  • Impact: Undermines tiger reintroduction success (tigers went locally extinct in 2009, but populations recovered). Large-scale deforestation: 2-3 million trees.
• Wildlife Threats: It will also impact the Gharial population in Ken Gharial Sanctuary.
• Rainfall Impact: A study by IIT-Bombay scientists found that moving large quantities of water as part of river-linking projects can affect land-atmosphere interplay and feedback, leading to a mean rainfall deficit of up to 12% in September.

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