Ken-Betwa dam displaces thousands and bypasses compensation protections

The central government’s Ken‑Betwa river linking project, slated to divert water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa basin in Uttar Pradesh, has begun relocating residents in the affected villages. Official estimates indicate that more than 4,000 families are being moved to make way for the reservoir, while the project’s total cost exceeds ₹30 billion. Under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, displaced households are entitled to market‑value compensation, a replacement house, and livelihood restoration measures. Local authorities, however, have been reported to delay payments, provide inadequate housing, and omit promised employment schemes, prompting complaints from community leaders and non‑governmental organizations.

Legal experts and advocacy groups have filed petitions in the Supreme Court alleging that the government’s implementation violates statutory safeguards and the constitutional right to a dignified life. The court has asked the Ministry of Water Resources to submit a compliance report, while the Ministry of Rural Development has announced a review of the compensation framework. As the displacement continues, the pending judicial review and mounting pressure from civil society are expected to shape the final settlement of compensation claims for the affected populations.