Tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district are holding large protests against the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. They say the project has taken away their homes and livelihoods, but they have not received proper compensation or rehabilitation.
The protesters have adopted peaceful methods inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. These include hunger strikes, symbolic funeral protests, water protests, and soil protests.
Different Forms of Protest
At the Barana River, some protesters lay on funeral beds and floated in the water to warn the government that they feared losing their lives. Others stood with nooses around their necks as part of a symbolic protest.
Social activist Amit Bhatnagar is also on an indefinite hunger strike.
The protesters say promises made by the government in April have not been fulfilled. They also claim that some people are facing police cases and forced eviction.
Government Says Promises Have Been Met
The local administration has rejected the allegations.
Chhatarpur District Collector Parth Jaiswal said the government has already increased the relief and rehabilitation package and claimed that the protesters are now demanding more benefits.
Why the Project Matters
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India’s first major river-linking project. It aims to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River through underground pipelines.
The project is estimated to cost ₹44,605 crore.
According to the government, once completed, it will:
Irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares of farmland.
Provide drinking water to around 62 lakh people.
Generate 130 MW of electricity.
Villagers Fear Losing Homes and Livelihoods
The project is expected to affect more than 50,000 people in the region, either directly or indirectly.
Many families may have to leave their homes, while others fear losing their only source of income.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns, saying the project could affect forests and wildlife, including tigers living in the Panna National Park.
The protesters say they are not against development. However, they want proper rehabilitation, permanent housing, alternative livelihoods, and access to basic facilities such as education, healthcare, drinking water, sanitation and electricity before they are displaced.
One protester warned that if their demands are not met, they would continue their agitation.
Political Attention on the Issue
Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar met the affected families and listened to their concerns.
He said the issue would be raised in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly session and that the government would be asked to ensure proper compensation and rehabilitation for the displaced families.
The next Assembly session is scheduled to begin on July 20.
As the project moves forward, many affected families continue to wait for a clear solution to their concerns over rehabilitation and their future.
