Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed officials to visit villages in Panna and Chhatarpur districts to understand the problems faced by those affected by the Ken-Betwa river linking project. The Chief Minister issued this directive while chairing a review meeting in Khajuraho, emphasizing that the project will bring significant changes to the region in terms of irrigation, drinking water, and energy.
Yadav stressed that protecting the interests of affected and displaced families is also a top priority for the government. He instructed officials to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach eligible displaced families at their doorsteps. A concrete action plan should be developed to provide basic amenities like schools, Anganwadis, health centers, and community halls to families who have settled in new locations.
The Chief Minister also directed the prompt disbursement of approved additional funds to families affected by the Runjh-Majhgaon project in Panna. Furthermore, he instructed that the age of project-affected persons without documentary proof should be determined based on medical examinations.
Yadav emphasized the need for regular monitoring of the project and better coordination between concerned departments. State Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat was asked to ensure village-to-village monitoring of the project. Upon completion, the project is expected to increase irrigation capacity across approximately 8.11 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and provide drinking water to over 44 lakh people.
The project also includes the generation of 103 megawatts of hydroelectric power and 27 megawatts of solar energy. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is expected to directly benefit approximately 1,382 villages in Bundelkhand and Central India’s Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Shivpuri, and Datia districts.
The meeting was attended by Khajuraho MP V D Sharma, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Dilip Ahirwar, MLAs from Panna, Chhatarpur, Bijawar, and Rajnagar, and other public representatives.
