Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal and Ken-Betwa link projects are the result of the government’s relentless efforts: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal link projects are the culmination of the government’s relentless efforts over the past 20 years. These ambitious national projects represent a significant milestone, and it is a matter of pride for Madhya Pradesh that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved them. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stones for these transformative initiatives, which are set to reshape the socio-economic landscape of the Bundelkhand and Malwa regions. Prime Minister Shri Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa Link Project on December 25 in a ceremony at Khajuraho, Chhatarpur, and for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project in Jaipur, Rajasthan. These projects promise to bring substantial progress and prosperity to the regions they serve.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed the preparations for the programme through video conferencing from Samatva Bhawan (Chief Minister’s residence) on Friday. Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silavat, Additional Chief Secretary Water Resources Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, and all concerned officers were present.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of rivers in the country and has an immense amount of water. We have to use it as much as possible in the interest of farmers. He said that the participation of Madhya Pradesh in two big national projects is a big achievement. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the message of importance and proper use of water should reach every person. There should be Kisan Sammelans in every village, Kalash Yatra should be taken out, morning fairs should be held, bhajan groups and folk artists should give presentations, and painting, essay and debate competitions should be held in schools and colleges. There should be participation of public representatives, self-help groups, and social service organizations in the programmes.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that along with the national projects of river linking, the work of linking rivers within the state will also be done. In Ujjain, work is being done to connect Kanh River to Gambhir river through a 20-kilometer duct. Sewarkhedi-Silarkhedi project is also going to start. We will make the state prosperous in terms of water. It is our resolve to provide adequate water for irrigation to every farmer.

Water Resources Minister Shri Silavat said that the modified Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project will irrigate 6 lakh 13 thousand 520 hectares in Malwa and Chambal region of the state and drinking water will be available to a population of 40 lakh. Apart from this, due to the modernization work of the almost 60 years old Chambal Right Main Canal and distribution system, water will be made available as per the demand of farmers in 3 lakh 62 thousand hectare area in 1205 villages of Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur districts. The project will benefit 3217 villages of Guna, Morena, Shivpuri, Bhind, Sheopur, Ujjain, Sehore, Mandsaur, Indore, Dewas, Agar Malwa, Shajapur and Rajgarh districts of the state.

Under the Ken-Betwa Link Project, by constructing a dam in Daudhan village, the water of Ken River will be released into Betwa River through a 221 km long link canal, providing irrigation facilities on both sides of the route. The project will provide an irrigation facility in total 8 lakh 11 thousand hectare area of​​the state. This will benefit about 2013 villages of Chhatarpur, Panna, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Shivpuri, Niwari, Datia Raisen, Vidisha and Sagar districts. Through the project, 44 lakh population of the state will get the facility of drinking water and 103 MW hydropower and 27 MW of solar power will also be produced.

Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajoura said that a public awareness campaign for the projects will be run till 25th December. During the campaign, Kalash-Yatra and Prabhat Pheris will be organized in the villages, Kisan Sammelans, street plays, bhajans and cultural programmes explaining the importance of water will be organized. Various competitions related to water conservation and promotion will also be organized in educational institutions. The Bhoomi pujan ceremony of the projects will also be telecast live in all the Gram Panchayats.