Madhya Pradesh CM urges officials to meet families displaced by Ken‑Betwa scheme

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Yadav has instructed the administrations of Panna and Chhatarpur districts to launch a door‑to‑door outreach in villages impacted by the Ken‑Betwa river‑linking project. The directive, delivered during a recent meeting with senior officials, emphasizes that government officers must meet each household, document grievances, and assess the real‑time challenges faced by displaced families.

The Ken‑Betwa project, a multi‑billion‑rupee initiative aimed at inter‑linking the Ken and Betwa rivers, has prompted the acquisition of land across several villages in the two districts. While the scheme promises increased irrigation potential and hydro‑electric generation, it has also led to the relocation of numerous households. Yadav’s order seeks to ensure that the rehabilitation process is grounded in accurate, ground‑level information rather than assumptions.

District collectors and local authorities have been tasked with forming field teams that will travel to every affected settlement within a stipulated timeframe. These teams will record data on family size, livelihood disruptions, and any immediate needs such as housing, water supply, or compensation. The collected information is expected to feed into a revised rehabilitation plan that aligns with both state policy and central guidelines for displacement.

Yadav underscored the importance of empathy and transparency, noting that “understanding the actual situation of the people is the first step toward a fair solution.” He also called for coordination between various departments, including water resources, rural development, and finance, to streamline the relief measures.

The move comes as civil society groups and local activists have raised concerns about the adequacy of compensation and the speed of resettlement. By mandating a comprehensive household survey, the state government aims to address these concerns and reduce the risk of prolonged unrest in the region.

Officials are expected to submit preliminary findings within the next few weeks, after which the state will evaluate the next phases of the Ken‑Betwa project’s implementation, balancing developmental goals with the welfare of displaced communities.