Why in News (Ken-Betwa)
Ken-Betwa river interlinking project was flagged off by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi , which aims to transfer water from the Ken river basin to the Betwa river basin. At a cost of ₹44,605 crore, the project intends to alleviate water scarcity and support agriculture in the region. However, it has faced significant opposition from environmental experts and activists due to concerns over its potential ecological impact, particularly the destruction of forests in the Panna Tiger Reserve, and the bypassing of environmental scrutiny.
Relevance for UPSC
(GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology)
- Environmental Impact Assessments:
- Water Management and River Interlinking:
Key Aspects of the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project
Project Overview
- The Ken-Betwa river interlinking project aims to divert water from the Ken River (which is relatively water-surplus) to the Betwa River (which is facing water scarcity). The project includes constructing the Daudhan Dam inside the Panna Tiger Reserve and involves the relocation of water to farmland and human settlements in Bundelkhand, a region facing significant water challenges.
- Estimated budget for the project: ₹44,605 crore.
Environmental Concerns
- Impact on Panna Tiger Reserve: The construction of the Daudhan Dam within the ecologically sensitive Panna Tiger Reserve could destroy a significant amount of forest area and destabilize local ecosystems.
- Lack of Scrutiny: Critics argue that the project has bypassed the usual legal and ecological reviews, and the government has ignored objections from experts, including those from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and an empowered committee appointed by the Supreme Court.
- Hydrological Data withheld: The government has not released detailed hydrological data about the project’s impact, citing concerns over national security, which has raised suspicion among critics.
Ecological and Hydrological Concerns
- Floods and Droughts: the interlinking could exacerbate the issue as both the river face similar challenges of flood and drought. Changing the course of rivers could alter regional sedimentation and rainfall patterns, impacting the agricultural and ecological balance.
- Water Surplus vs. Water Deficient: The government claims the Ken Basin is water-surplus and the Betwa Basin is water-deficient. However, critics argue that the Betwa is only deficient because it supports extensive irrigated agriculture, and simply transferring water from Ken to Betwa may not be sustainable if demands in the Ken basin also rise in the future.
Political and Strategic Factors
- Political Expediency: The government’s approval of the project, just months before state elections in Uttar Pradesh, raises questions about whether it aims more for political gain (to pacify voters in Bundelkhand) than for solving long-term water issues.
- Promises vs. Reality: Critics argue that while the project promises to improve water supply and irrigation, it may not be the most cost-effective or ecologically sound solution, and the environmental and economic costs could outweigh the benefits in the long run.
Broader Implications
- Failure to Consider Alternatives: Experts have suggested that there are alternative methods to address water scarcity in the Betwa Basin, such as maintaining environmental flows and improving natural storage capacities, rather than relying on costly and potentially damaging interlinking projects.
- Political Image over Ecological Sense: Many view the project as motivated by political interests and government image rather than ecological planning. As investments increase, reversing course becomes harder, even if unforeseen negative consequences arise.
- Future Costs: If the project faces adverse ecological consequences, the responsibility and cost of mitigating these impacts will ultimately fall on the people, especially in the affected regions.
