The 6th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority took place on 19 July 2024 in New Delhi. The session was chaired by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. Attendees included Shri Shirish Mishra, Engineer-in-Chief, Department of Water Resources, Madhya Pradesh; Shri Akhilesh Kumar Sachan, Engineer-in-Chief & HOD, Department of Irrigation & Water Resources, Uttar Pradesh, along with their respective teams; the Field Director of Panna Tiger Reserve; and the Collector & DM of Panna. Officers from NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, WII, NWDA, CWC, KBLPA, and WAPCOS also participated in the meeting.
Ms. Mukherjee emphasized the project’s significance for the Bundelkhand region and urged the adoption of best construction practices to protect the environment, biodiversity, and community development. She commended the Madhya Pradesh Government for the timely transfer of land to the Forest Department, fulfilling the conditions of Stage-II Forest Clearance.
The Chairperson called on Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to expedite land acquisition for the Link Canal and directed the timely completion of all pending Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). She encouraged all partners to collaborate effectively to ensure timely and projected benefits in all quarters.
During the meeting, discussions with officials from the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA) and the Madhya Pradesh Government focused on the planning and timely execution of the Daudhan Dam. It was proposed that both states prioritize attaching offices with the KBLPA. Ms. Mukherjee also urged the Water Resources Department, Madhya Pradesh, to enhance resettlement and rehabilitation efforts for the benefit of project-affected families. Additionally, she reiterated the need for the Forest Department to undertake compensatory afforestation and catchment area treatment, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season. The Chairperson directed the implementation of the Integrated Landscape Management Plan in coordination with all stakeholders to ensure timely execution of all measures.
