Ken-Betwa link project new sunrise of development in Bundelkhand: CM
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has realized the dream of ken-betwa link project for the development of Bundelkhand region seen by former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Last day, the Central Cabinet has approved the Ken-Betwa link project costing 44,605 crore rupees. The project will create a new sunrise of development and progress in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said that the much awaited ambitious Ken-Betwa link project of our Bundelkhand region will make the drought affected area self-reliant in irrigation and drinking water. At the same time, there will be an increase in energy capacity. The prime minister, Shri Modi, has shown special interest to Madhya Pradesh for the project, which will not only change the picture of the drought-hit Bundelkhand region but also boost industrialization and investment in the region. Employment opportunities at the local level will increase and the migration of traditional people will also stop.
Chouhan said that the Ken-Betwa link project will undoubtedly develop new dimensions of self-reliance and prosperity for the drought-hit Bundelkhand region. This will increase agricultural production, increase people’s income and improve living standards. The concept of inclusive growth will be realized and there will be prosperity among the common man. Overall, it can be said that with the ken-betwa link project taking shape, there will be a new sunrise of development and progress in the Bundelkhand region.
Ken River is a major river in bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh with a total length of 470 km. The river passes through Katani district of Madhya Pradesh and joins the River Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. The Ken river flows 292 km in Madhya Pradesh. Since independence, Madhya Pradesh has not been able to use the water of ken river at all. The Ken-Betwa link project will stop the water of ken river by constructing a dam near Daudhan. From Daudhan Dam 221 km long link canal is constructed which will transport the 1074 MCM surplus water of ken basin to betwa basin.
On completion of the project, irrigation facility will be available in bundelkhand region in an area of 8 lakh 11 thousand hectares, which will increase agricultural production and bring prosperity. 41 lakh population of the water crisis affected state will get drinking water facility. At the same time, the ground water situation in the area will also improve. The project will irrigate 70,000 hectares in Panna district of Bundelkhand, 3 lakh 11 thousand 151 hectares in Chhatarpur and 20, 101 hectares in Damoh.
50,112 hectares in Tikamgarh and Niwari, 90,000 hectares in sagar, 6,000 hectares in Raisen, 20,000 hectares in Vidisha, 76,000 hectares in Shivpuri and 14,000 hectares in Datia district.
