MP CM tells officials to hear Ken-Betwa project affected families

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed officials to visit villages in Panna and Chhatarpur districts and hear grievances of families impacted by the Ken-Betwa river link project. The directions came after a review meeting in Khajuraho on August 21, days after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met protesters demanding better compensation and rehabilitation for the Rs 44,000 crore project.

Yadav instructed district administrations to ensure officials visit every household in affected villages, especially tribal families, and resolve difficulties on priority. He also asked for doorstep delivery of welfare scheme benefits to displaced families and preparation of action plans for essential facilities like schools and health centres at new settlement locations.

The compensation for the Runjh and Majhgaon projects was increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh per family in July, matching the KBLP package. The project, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, 2024, aims to transfer water from the Ken to the Betwa river basin and is the first of 30 link projects under a national perspective plan.