Bundelkhand Region Set to Attract Investors After PM Modi's Emphasis on Ken-Betwa River Linking Project

Bhopal, Feb 24 (NationPress) With the strong emphasis and announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the significant investment in the Ken-Betwa river linking project, the attractiveness of this comparatively underdeveloped Bundelkhand region has piqued the interest of several investors.

During a notable gathering of both domestic and international investors at the Global Investors Summit in Bhopal on Monday, Prime Minister Modi praised the Rs 45,000 crore Ken-Betwa river linking project as a reflection of his government's persistent efforts in river interlinking, water conservation, and efficient water management.

A well-known investor, who chose to remain anonymous while speaking to IANS, commented, "If the project proceeds swiftly, it will draw numerous investors to the Bundelkhand region, especially in water-dependent sectors like textiles, as highlighted by the Prime Minister today."

Additionally, the investor mentioned that they are seeking a greenfield project in any of the three domains: textile, technology, and tourism.

Despite the perennial presence of the Ken and Betwa rivers, the Bundelkhand region continues to suffer from severe water shortages, particularly during the scorching summer months.

In December of the previous year, the Prime Minister officially laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. These coordinated efforts are set to greatly improve investment prospects across various industries.

Currently, the Bundelkhand region features national and international hotel brands in Khajuraho and near Panna National Park, a prominent tiger sanctuary.

The Ken-Betwa River Project has faced significant hurdles related to forest and environmental approvals, as well as reaching agreements on critical matters between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Nevertheless, both states have now achieved consensus on several issues regarding the distribution of water from this eagerly awaited river-linking project.

This initiative is projected to benefit around 6.5 million people in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, with an expected completion within an eight-year period and a budget allocation of approximately Rs 45,000 crore.

The merging of the Ken and Betwa rivers—both feeders of the Yamuna—aims to provide water to the drought-afflicted Bundelkhand region, which includes nine districts in Madhya Pradesh and four in Uttar Pradesh.

According to estimates from the central government, the project is anticipated to irrigate 1.062 million hectares of land (0.811 million hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 0.251 million hectares in Uttar Pradesh), supply drinking water to about 6.2 million residents, and generate 103 megawatts of hydropower along with 27 megawatts of solar energy.

However, government projections also indicate that approximately 6,600 families will be displaced, and around 4.5 million trees will be removed as a consequence of the project.

Upon completion, the Daudhan dam will submerge a large area of the Panna Tiger Reserve, which had been devoid of tigers as recently as 2009.

As reported by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, the reserve currently supports a thriving population of 90 tigers, including males, females, and cubs.