Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the Ken-Betwa Link Project, a project of national importance, would be a milestone in the development of Bundelkhand. The project would bring significant improvements in irrigation, drinking water supply and energy in the region. He said ensuring the welfare of affected and displaced families alongside development remains the government’s priority.
Officers Must Visit Every Household to Understand Problems of Affected Families
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed the Panna and Chhatarpur district administrations to ensure that officials visit every household in the affected villages to understand the actual situation and problems of the families. He directed officials to listen sensitively to the difficulties faced by tribal families and resolve them on priority.
Ensure Government Scheme Benefits Reach Displaced Families
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to ensure doorstep delivery of government scheme benefits to eligible displaced families. He said that where families have settled at new locations, concrete action plans should be prepared to provide essential facilities such as schools, Anganwadi centres, health centres and community halls.
Ensure Early Payment of Additional Compensation to Roonjh-Majhgaon Project-Affected Families
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to ensure early payment of the approved additional amount to those affected by the Roonjh-Majhgaon Project in Panna. He also directed that the age of affected persons without valid age-related documents be determined through medical examination.
Regular Monitoring and Better Inter-Departmental Coordination
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat to regularly monitor the project on a priority basis and ensure better coordination among the departments concerned.
Use Jan Chaupals and Awareness Yatras to Highlight Project Benefits
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed officials to organise Jan Chaupals and awareness yatras in affected areas to inform people about the project’s benefits. He stressed the need for constructive grassroots-level activities to address people’s concerns and apprehensions.
Irrigation Capacity to Increase by 8.11 Lakh Hectares; Over 44 Lakh People to Benefit fromDrinking Water
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that upon completion, the project would increase irrigation capacity by approximately 8.11 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and provide drinking water benefits to more than 44 lakh people. The project also envisages generation of 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
A total of 1,382 villages in Bundelkhand and central Madhya Pradesh—including those in Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Shivpuri and Datia districts—are expected to benefit directly from the project. There are 5,039 project-affected families in Chhatarpur and Panna districts, including 1,321 families in Panna and 3,718 in Chhatarpur. All affected families have opted for the Special Rehabilitation and Resettlement Package.
Affected Families to Join Mainstream of Development through Dignified Rehabilitation
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Ken-Betwa Link Project is not merely a water-resource development initiative but also a means of bringing economic and social transformation to Bundelkhand. He said the government is committed to ensuring dignified rehabilitation of project-affected families and integrating them into the mainstream of development.
Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat joined the review meeting virtually. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, MP Shri V.D. Sharma, MLAs from Panna, Chhatarpur, Bijawar and Rajnagar, and other public representatives were present.
Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal, Principal Secretary Shri Sandeep Yadav, Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Sudam Khade, Sagar Divisional Commissioner Shri Anil Suchari and other officials were also present.
