Chhatarpur: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reviewed the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project in Khajuraho on August 21 and directed officials to maintain coordination between departments involved in the project.
He asked Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat to regularly monitor the project on a priority basis.
Yadav said the national project is expected to expand irrigation and drinking-water access in the Bundelkhand region while also supporting power generation.
Officials Asked to Reach Affected Families
The Chief Minister directed the administrations of Panna and Chhatarpur to visit affected villages and understand the concerns of families facing displacement because of the project.
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Officials were asked to:
- Conduct household-level visits in affected villages.
- Give priority to addressing concerns of tribal families.
- Ensure eligible government schemes reach displaced families.
- Prepare plans for basic facilities where families have already shifted to new settlements.
- Include schools, anganwadi centres, health centres and community buildings in such plans.
Additional Compensation for Runjh-Majhgawan Project
Yadav also directed officials to ensure the early payment of approved additional compensation to people affected by the Runjh-Majhgawan Project in Panna.
For affected persons who do not have documents establishing their age, officials were directed to determine age through medical examination.
The Chief Minister also called for Jan Chaupals and awareness campaigns in affected areas to provide information about the project and address public concerns.
Project to Benefit 44 Lakh People
According to the state government, completion of the Ken-Betwa Link Project is expected to increase irrigation capacity over approximately 8.11 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and provide drinking-water benefits to more than 44 lakh people.
The project also includes proposed power-generation capacity of:
- 103 MW hydropower
- 27 MW solar power
1,382 Villages to Receive Direct Benefits
The project is expected to benefit 1,382 villages across several districts of Bundelkhand and central Madhya Pradesh.
These include:
- Panna
- Damoh
- Chhatarpur
- Tikamgarh
- Niwari
- Sagar
- Vidisha
- Raisen
- Shivpuri
- Datia
The state government said there are 5,039 project-affected families in Panna and Chhatarpur districts, comprising 1,321 families in Panna and 3,718 in Chhatarpur.
All affected families have opted for the special rehabilitation and resettlement package, according to the state government.
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