PM Modi Lays Foundation for Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh

The project aims to address water security in Bundelkhand while reviving Ambedkar’s contributions to water resource development.

The Ken-Betwa river linking project, India’s first such initiative, is set to benefit nearly 6.5 million people in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision for water resource management, accusing Congress of sidelining his contributions in favor of one political family.
The project includes the construction of the Daudhan Dam and a 221-km canal to transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, providing irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower benefits.
Environmental concerns have been raised, with critics pointing to potential threats to the Panna Tiger Reserve, including submergence of forest areas and biodiversity loss.
In addition to the river project, PM Modi inaugurated a floating solar power plant in Omkareshwar and launched 1,153 Atal Gram Sewa Sadans to boost rural development and governance.