NationalMonday, 20 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Ken-Betwa Link Project: India’s first river-linking project, displacement and water transfer facts
Tribals in Madhya Pradesh are protesting the ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s first river-linking project, over rehabilitation and compensation concerns.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 19, 2026, Madhya Pradesh Police cleared a protest at Kupi village in Chhatarpur district against the Union Government’s ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s first river-linking project, which was linked to the Daudhan dam foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, 2024.
Key specifics
- The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first of 30 river-link projects under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
- The plan has 14 Himalayan links and 16 Peninsular links, identified by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
- The project includes a 221-km canal and a 2-km tunnel to transfer water from the Ken river to the Betwa river.
- It is expected to generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
- The project aims to provide drinking water to 4.4 million people in about 12 districts of Madhya Pradesh and more than 2 million people in 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Exam lens
Environment and governance question: river-linking, National Perspective Plan, NWDA, and project components. TNPSC may ask the first river-linking project, canal length, or the number of links under the plan.