Ken-Betwa Project: Tribal Protests in MP
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project has triggered intense protests by tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh, including 'Chita Andolan' (symbolic gallows) and 'Jal Satyagrahas'. Activist Amit Bhatnagar's 18-day hunger strike drew national attention, and the government has assured a fresh survey for rehabilitation.
Background
The Ken-Betwa project is India's first river-linking initiative under the National Perspective Plan, aimed at addressing water scarcity in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. It involves transferring water from the Ken to the Betwa river, but has faced opposition due to displacement of tribal families and environmental concerns.
Key facts
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is India's first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan.
The project aims to provide irrigation, drinking water, and power generation in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh have staged protests including 'Chita Andolan' (symbolic gallows), 'Jal Satyagraha' (standing in river water), and lying beside funeral pyres.
Activist Amit Bhatnagar completed an 18-day hunger strike, suspending it after government assurance of a fresh survey for rehabilitation.
The protests highlight issues of land acquisition, displacement, and inadequate compensation for tribal families.
The administration ended the protests citing threats from rising water levels.
Over 400 social activists, including Medha Patkar, appealed to Bhatnagar to end his fast due to health concerns.
The project is expected to benefit millions but has sparked a fierce battle over tribal rights and rehabilitation.
Prelims pointers
- Ken-Betwa River Linking Project
- National Perspective Plan for river linking
- Bundelkhand region (drought-prone)
- Chita Andolan
- Jal Satyagraha
- Amit Bhatnagar (activist)
- Medha Patkar (social activist)
- Madhya Pradesh
- Ken and Betwa rivers
- Rehabilitation and resettlement issues
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for development, issues of tribal rights and displacement
- GS3: Infrastructure projects and environmental impact, water resource management
- GS1: Social movements and protests, regional disparities in development