PM Modi's Grand Procession in Khajuraho with Floral Honors for Vajpayee

Khajuraho, Dec 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a grand procession following his arrival in Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho to lay the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa river linking project on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Wednesday.

He subsequently paid floral homage to Vajpayee at an event aimed at launching several development initiatives in Khajuraho.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and BJP state chief V.D. Sharma greeted PM Modi upon his arrival at Khan airport. From there, he proceeded to the venue in an open vehicle, receiving a warm welcome with a cascade of flowers. A large crowd had gathered along the route, chanting slogans and waving flags. CM Mohan Yadav accompanied the PM in the decorated vehicle.

Upon reaching the venue, PM Modi assessed the exhibition of the Ken-Betwa project. During this time, a senior official from the MP government, involved with the project, provided PM Modi with insights regarding the initiative. Individuals who traveled from various parts of Bundelkhand to witness this historic occasion welcomed PM Modi with flowers and slogans.

Prior to PM Modi's arrival, the MP BJP organized a Kalash Yatra from Katni to Khajuraho. The site where the bhoomi pujan for the Ken-Betwa river link project will be performed by PM Modi has been beautifully adorned.

The Rs 49,000-crore project, recognized as the nation's first river-linking initiative under the national river interlinking policy, aims to tackle drought and migration challenges in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

This project is anticipated to provide irrigation benefits covering over 8.11 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 59,000 hectares in Uttar Pradesh, affecting approximately seven lakh farmers and stabilizing existing irrigation systems. It also seeks to deliver drinking water to 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh, while generating 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. Additionally, it includes the restoration of 42 Chandela-era heritage ponds to improve groundwater levels.

The Ken-Betwa project stands as the largest irrigation endeavor in the country, utilizing an underground pressurized pipe irrigation system. It involves the construction of a 77-meter-high Daudhan Dam on the Ken River within the Panna Tiger Reserve, channeling surplus water to the Betwa River via a 221-km canal.

This initiative is expected to enhance forest ecosystems and alleviate flooding issues in Uttar Pradesh's Banda district. The Daudhan reservoir will supply drinking water to wild animals in the Panna Tiger Reserve year-round, support the forest ecosystem, and provide relief to Banda district from flood challenges.