Centre Urges UP, MP To Expedite Land Acquisition With Regard To Ken-Betwa Link Project

The Centre has urged both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to expedite land acquisition and promptly complete all pending Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) with regard to the Ken-Betwa Link Project.

This river interlinking project proposes to transport excess water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh in order to irrigate the Bundelkhand region.

The sixth meeting of the Steering Committee of Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority was held in New Delhi yesterday. The meeting was chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary in Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

During the meeting, Ms Mukherjee highlighted the importance of the project for the Bundelkhand region. She



emphasised for employing best practices in construction, so as to safeguard the interest of the environment, and biodiversity along the community development. She also appreciated Government of Madhya Pradesh for timely transfer of land to the Forest Department as per condition of Stage-II Forest Clearance. Ms Mukherjee further requested Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for expeditious action for acquiring the land for the Link Canal.

The Secretary told all the partners to work in unison, to have timely and projected benefits in all quarter. She also discussed with the officials of Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority and the Government of Madhya Pradesh on the planning and execution of the Daudhan Dam in a timely manner.