India's Ken-Betwa River Link Project, the first under the National River Linking Project with completion targeted by 2030, faces environmental concerns. The project involves a 77-meter Daudhan Dam and a 221 km canal including a 2 km tunnel to support irrigation for 10.62 lakh hectares and drinking water for 62 lakh people. Environmental concerns include submergence of 98 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve threatening tigers and gharials, loss of 23 lakh trees, and research by IIT-Bombay indicating river interlinking could worsen drought with up to 12% rainfall deficit. The project cost is ₹44,605 crore.
Ken-Betwa River Link Project: Environmental Concerns Over Panna Tiger Reserve
AQuick answer
Ken-Betwa river link faces concerns: 98 sq km Panna Tiger Reserve submergence, 23 lakh tree loss, and potential 12% rainfall deficit.
Key facts
- Ken-Betwa River Link Project is India's first under the National River Linking Project with completion targeted by 2030.
- The project involves a 77-meter Daudhan Dam and 221 km canal including a 2 km tunnel to support irrigation for 10.62 lakh hectares.
- Environmental concerns: submergence of 98 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve threatening tigers and gharials, loss of 23 lakh trees.
- IIT-Bombay research indicates river interlinking could worsen drought with up to 12% rainfall deficit.
- Project cost is ₹44,605 crore; will provide drinking water for 62 lakh people.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the objectives and environmental concerns of India's Ken-Betwa River Link Project, and evaluate its implications for biodiversity conservation versus irrigation needs.
Answer (50 words):
India's Ken-Betwa Project, the first National River Linking Project, involves a 77-metre Daudhan Dam and 221 km canal to irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares and supply 62 lakh people drinking water at ₹44,605 crore. Concerns include 98 sq km Panna Tiger Reserve submergence, 23 lakh tree loss, and potential rainfall deficit.
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IrrigationGeography of IndiaMajor Rivers & LakesGeography of IndiaEnvironmental & Ecological ChangesScience & Technology
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CoverageNationalTypeProjectSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceMongabay India
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Linked questionMedium
The Ken-Betwa River Link Project will submerge approximately how much area of Panna Tiger Reserve?
Explanation · Correct answer A
As per PIB, total submergence due to the Daudhan reservoir under the Ken-Betwa Link Project will be about 9,000 ha, spread over 4,141 ha of Panna Tiger Reserve core and 1,314 ha of PTR buffer, i.e. roughly 54.55 sq km of the reserve. This affects tiger, gharial and other wildlife habitat.
Source: Mongabay India
Frequently asked questions
What are the major environmental concerns regarding the Ken-Betwa River Link Project and Panna Tiger Reserve?
The **Ken-Betwa River Link Project** (India's first under the National River Linking Project, targeted completion by **2030**) faces major environmental concerns: submergence of **98 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve** threatening **tigers** and **gharials**, loss of **23 lakh trees**, and IIT-Bombay research indicating river interlinking could worsen drought with up to **12% rainfall deficit**. The project involves a **77-meter Daudhan Dam** and a **221 km canal** with a 2 km tunnel.
What is the total cost and beneficiary coverage of the Ken-Betwa River Link Project?
The **Ken-Betwa River Link Project** has a total cost of **₹44,605 crore**. It aims to support irrigation for **10.62 lakh hectares** and provide drinking water for **62 lakh people**. The project involves a **77-meter Daudhan Dam** and a **221 km canal** including a **2 km tunnel**. It is India's first project under the **National River Linking Project** with completion targeted by **2030**.
Why does IIT-Bombay research raise concerns about the Ken-Betwa River Link Project causing drought?
**IIT-Bombay research** indicates that river interlinking (as in the **Ken-Betwa River Link Project**) could worsen drought conditions with up to a **12% rainfall deficit**. The reason is that large-scale inter-basin water transfers alter local hydrology, evapotranspiration patterns, and regional climate. Additionally, the project involves submerging **98 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve** and cutting **23 lakh trees**, compounding ecological concerns.
What is the Daudhan Dam and what role does it play in the Ken-Betwa River Link Project?
The **Daudhan Dam** is a **77-meter** dam planned on the **Ken River** in Madhya Pradesh as the cornerstone of the **Ken-Betwa River Link Project**, India's first under the **National River Linking Project**. Water stored behind the dam will be transferred via a **221 km canal** (including a **2 km tunnel**) to the Betwa basin, supporting irrigation for **10.62 lakh hectares** and drinking water for **62 lakh people**. However, it will submerge **98 sq km of Panna Tiger Reserve**.
How does the Ken-Betwa River Link Project threaten wildlife in Panna Tiger Reserve?
The **Ken-Betwa River Link Project** threatens **Panna Tiger Reserve** by submerging **98 sq km** of its core area, which is critical habitat for **tigers** and **gharials** (critically endangered crocodilians). The dam construction also requires felling **23 lakh trees**. **IIT-Bombay research** further warns that the interlinking could create **12% rainfall deficits**, affecting the ecological balance of the reserve and surrounding forests in **Madhya Pradesh**.
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