Sonia Gandhi writes to Prakash Javadekar on Ken-Betwa Project
WATER & WASTE

Sonia Gandhi writes to Prakash Javadekar on Ken-Betwa Project

Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi has written to Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar, asking him not to implement the Ken-Betwa river linking project, citing concerns of a threat to the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress President noted that the Panna Tiger Reserve had been revived with great difficulty and is now considered an example of translocation and successful breeding.

The river-linking project now threatens the tiger reserve, and the state government's estimate is that around 40% of the area of the tiger reserve will be irretrievably damaged, Gandhi stated in her letter, pointing that around 18 lakh trees would be removed from the submergence area.

Last month, the Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat signed a tripartite agreement with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of World Water Day to start the work on India's first major river interlinking project that will connect the Ken and the Betwa Rivers.

The memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed almost 18 years after the project's idea was conceived due to disagreement between the two states over sharing of water.

A 73.8 m high dam proposed on Ken at Daudhan in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district. Both of the rivers are rain-fed and flow into the Yamuna. The project, which is estimated to take eight years to complete, has an estimated cost of Rs 35,111.24 crore.

The project was conceptualised in the 1980s, but the water-sharing agreement could not be reached between the two states. The work on the project was originally slated to begin in 2015 but only got a fresh push last year with the government making a revised deal with the two states.

Image Source


Also read: Ken-Betwa interlinking dam to wait longer

Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi has written to Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar, asking him not to implement the Ken-Betwa river linking project, citing concerns of a threat to the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress President noted that the Panna Tiger Reserve had been revived with great difficulty and is now considered an example of translocation and successful breeding. The river-linking project now threatens the tiger reserve, and the state government's estimate is that around 40% of the area of the tiger reserve will be irretrievably damaged, Gandhi stated in her letter, pointing that around 18 lakh trees would be removed from the submergence area. Last month, the Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat signed a tripartite agreement with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of World Water Day to start the work on India's first major river interlinking project that will connect the Ken and the Betwa Rivers. The memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed almost 18 years after the project's idea was conceived due to disagreement between the two states over sharing of water. A 73.8 m high dam proposed on Ken at Daudhan in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district. Both of the rivers are rain-fed and flow into the Yamuna. The project, which is estimated to take eight years to complete, has an estimated cost of Rs 35,111.24 crore. The project was conceptualised in the 1980s, but the water-sharing agreement could not be reached between the two states. The work on the project was originally slated to begin in 2015 but only got a fresh push last year with the government making a revised deal with the two states. Image Source Also read: Ken-Betwa interlinking dam to wait longer

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

REC Transfers HVDC Project to Power Grid

REC Limited has successfully handed over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This strategic move aligns with the nation's objectives to strengthen its power transmission network. Key Highlights: Project Overview: The HVDC project, under the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) initiative, is a critical component of India's push toward robust and efficient electricity transmission. It aims to handle bulk power transfer across long distances while ensuring minimal losses. Role of RE..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NF Railway Collaborates with IIT Guwahati

The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Guwahati to foster technological advancements and improve railway operations in the region. This partnership focuses on innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail infrastructure. Key Highlights: Purpose of MoUs: The collaboration aims to leverage IIT Guwahati's expertise in technology and research for implementing cutting-edge solutions across railway operations. Key areas of focus include: Automation and digitization in maintenance. Sustainability initiati..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Danapur Division Modernization Plans Revealed

The Railway Board has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion and modernization of the Danapur Division, a critical hub under the East Central Railway. The initiative focuses on infrastructure development, enhanced passenger amenities, and operational efficiency. Key Highlights: Scope of Modernization: The Railway Board's blueprint emphasizes: Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate more passenger and freight traffic. Improving station facilities, such as platforms, waiting areas, and connectivity. Introducing advanced signal systems for safer and smoother operations. Freig..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000