Ken–Betwa Project Sparks Protest: Villages to Be Submerged for ‘Development’, Thousands Launch Movement
Chhatarpur/Panna |
The Ken–Betwa River Linking Project, aimed at providing water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, has now become the center of controversy. With the construction of the Daudhan Dam, the threat of displacement for thousands of people has intensified, leading to protests by villagers since April 2026.
22 Villages Affected, 10 to Be Fully Submerged
In the first phase of the project, around 22 villages in Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh are being affected. Out of these, nearly 10 villages will be completely submerged.
According to government data, more than 7,000 families, comprising over 30,000 people, will be impacted by the project.
Tribal Communities to Be Most Affected
A large number of those affected belong to the Gond and Saur tribal communities, whose livelihoods depend on farming, forests, and livestock.
Villagers say that displacement will not only take away their land but also their culture and identity.
Protests Begin April 5, Women Take the Lead
Protests against displacement began on April 5 along the banks of the Ken River.
On April 8, the movement intensified when women launched a symbolic ‘Chita Protest’, where they lay on symbolic funeral pyres to express their resistance.
Villagers have also adopted forms of protest such as Jal Satyagraha, Chulha Bandh (kitchen shutdown), and Mitti Satyagraha.
Main Demand: Land for Land
The primary demand of the protesters is not just monetary compensation but land in exchange for land.
Villagers argue that the compensation of ₹12.5 lakh per adult offered by the government is insufficient for their land and future.
Government’s Stand: Water and Power for Bundelkhand
The government claims that the ₹44,605 crore project will provide irrigation and drinking water to millions in Bundelkhand and also generate electricity.
On April 16, the administration assured protesters that a fresh survey would be conducted and discrepancies in compensation would be addressed. Following this, the protest was temporarily suspended for 10 days.
Threat to Panna Tiger Reserve
The impact of the project is not limited to villages. The construction of the Daudhan Dam may submerge thousands of hectares of forest in the Panna Tiger Reserve, posing a serious threat to wildlife.
Crisis of Trust: Villagers Fear Injustice
Villagers say that in many large projects across the country, displaced people have not received proper rehabilitation even after years.
This has created a deep lack of trust, with fears that history may repeat itself.
What Next?
For now, villagers are waiting for the results of the new survey.
However, they have warned that if their demands are not met, the protest will intensify further.
Conclusion
The Ken–Betwa Link Project presents a dilemma—while it promises development, it also threatens the lives and livelihoods of thousands.
The key question remains: How will the government balance development with humanity?
