Ken-Betwa River Linking: Tribals' Gandhian Protest Against Displacement
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Ken-Betwa river-linking project is advancing, leading to protests by thousands of tribals in Madhya Pradesh's Chattarpur who face displacement, loss of livelihoods, and inadequate rehabilitation. They are using Gandhian-style protests like satyagraha and symbolic pyres to highlight their concerns.
Background
The Ken-Betwa river-linking project is a major interlinking of rivers (ILR) initiative aimed at transferring water from the Ken river to the Betwa river to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region. It involves the construction of a dam and canal system, which will submerge forest land and displace tribal communities.
Key facts
The Ken-Betwa river-linking project is being implemented in Madhya Pradesh's Chattarpur district.
Thousands of tribal families face displacement due to the project.
Protesters are using Gandhian methods including satyagraha and symbolic pyres on riverbanks.
Key concerns include loss of homes, livelihoods, and inadequate rehabilitation packages.
The project is part of India's National River Linking Project (NRLP).
It aims to transfer water from the Ken to the Betwa river to benefit drought-prone Bundelkhand.
The project involves submergence of parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve, raising environmental concerns.
Prelims pointers
- Ken-Betwa river-linking project
- National River Linking Project (NRLP)
- Bundelkhand region
- Panna Tiger Reserve
- Madhya Pradesh
- Satyagraha
- Gandhian protest
Mains angles
- GS2: Issues of rehabilitation and displacement of tribal communities in development projects.
- GS3: Interlinking of rivers: benefits, environmental impact, and social costs.
- GS3: Environmental impact assessment and conservation of wildlife habitats.
- GS4: Ethics of development vs. displacement; Gandhian methods of protest.