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Bhopal/Chhatarpur. Controversy is increasing regarding Bundelkhand’s ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project. On one hand, the government is calling it a historic project to overcome the water crisis of the area, while on the other hand, amid protests from the affected villagers, Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Umang Singhar has alleged irregularities in the project and has demanded an independent investigation and social audit of the entire matter.

Villagers’ agitation intensifies due to fear of displacement

The Ken-Betwa project aims to increase the availability of irrigation and drinking water in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, people of many villages of Chhatarpur and Panna districts affected by the project are continuously protesting over the fear of displacement. Villagers say their land, homes and livelihoods could be affected due to the project. The protesters have demanded better rehabilitation, fair compensation and protection of the rights of the affected families. During the protest, some villagers expressed their anger by hanging themselves and burning a symbolic pyre.

Umang Singhar made allegations of irregularities

In a press conference held in Bhopal, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar alleged that the complaints of tribals and farmers affected by the Ken-Betwa project are being ignored. He said that there is a lack of transparency in the work to the project and serious questions are being raised in the displacement and compensation distribution process. He demanded that a high-level independent inquiry be conducted into all matters to the project and a social audit be conducted in the affected areas, in which villagers, their representatives and experts should be involved.

Allegation of irregularities in compensation distribution

Umang Singhar claimed that in some cases, compensation was given to people who were not residents of the respective villages, while the genuine eligible families did not get the benefit. He alleged that at many places the statutory procedure of Gram Sabhas was not followed and there were irregularities in the records also.

Questions also raised regarding company and electoral bonds

The Leader of Opposition also raised questions on the company involved in the construction of the project. He alleged that the concerned company had donated Rs 60 crore to the Bharatiya Janata Party through electoral bonds, due to which the government was giving priority to the interests of the company. However, these allegations have not been independently confirmed.

Accusations were also made on police action

Singhar accused police action against the agitating farmers and tribals. He claimed that money was recovered and documents were seized from some people during their detention. He also demanded a fair investigation into these allegations.

Increased challenge for the government

Ken-Betwa project is considered important for the development of Bundelkhand and solution to the water crisis. The government claims that this will expand irrigation facilities in the area and lakhs of people will benefit. At the same time, after the questions of the affected villagers and the opposition, the debate regarding transparency, rehabilitation and compensation process in the project has intensified. In the future, the steps taken by the government and dialogue with the affected people will decide the direction of this dispute.

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