Adivasis in Bundelkhand resist displacement by Ken-Betwa dam

Adivasis in Madhya Pradesh's Bundelkhand region are resisting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, which will submerge or displace 22 villages across Panna and Chhatarpur districts. The Union Cabinet approved the interlink in 2021 to transfer water from the Ken to the Betwa river for irrigation and drinking. The Daudhan dam, the project's main component, is under construction.

Villagers say monetary compensation cannot replace their forests, farmlands, and way of life. Affected residents aged 18 or older as of February 2024 are eligible for Rs 12.5 lakh compensation and Rs 5 lakh per acre of acquired land. However, many Adivasi families lack patta land. Jayanti Bai of Mainari village said: "We want a forest for our forest, land for our land, water for our water, and a village for our village." Kosam, another Adivasi, said villagers will go together or block the dam.

A protest called Chita Aandolan, or 'symbolic pyre protest', led by Adivasi women, has been held since 2022 and gained national attention in April and July 2025. Rati Bai of Narauli village said: "If we don't get our rights, we will die in our birthplace." The government has not yet responded to demands to cancel the dam.