Farmers and Residents of Khajuraho, MP Show Gratitude to PM Modi for Ken-Betwa Link Project Launch

Bhopal, Dec 25 (NationPress) In celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the groundwork for several significant development initiatives in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, notably the much-anticipated Ken-Betwa Link Project.

This event represented a pivotal moment in regional development, with PM Modi underscoring the transformative effects of these initiatives, particularly the river-linking project, for the Bundelkhand region and adjacent districts in Uttar Pradesh.

During a large gathering, PM Modi stated that the completion of the Ken-Betwa Link Project would usher in new avenues of prosperity and joy for the people of Bundelkhand. The project is designed to enhance water availability and irrigation facilities, benefiting nearby districts in Uttar Pradesh such as Banda, Mahoba, Lalitpur, and Jhansi.

It is anticipated that the project will significantly influence the local economy, especially for the agricultural communities in the area.

Farmers from the Khajuraho region shared their enthusiasm and hope for the future, expressing to IANS how the project will address long-standing water scarcity challenges and enhance their livelihoods.

One farmer remarked: “This is fantastic news for all of us; PM Modi has initiated this project, and the water supply issues we have faced will finally be resolved.”

Another farmer added: “I am delighted that PM Modi visited our area. This initiative will support all farmers, and I am optimistic about a brighter future.”

The excitement extended beyond just the farmers. Local residents across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh conveyed their appreciation for the project, which is expected to provide long-term advantages to the region.

A resident from the Ghode Dam area in Madhya Pradesh expressed, “Today, PM Modi has launched a Rs 44,500 crore water project. This is an excellent initiative, and we are eager for its implementation.”

Another local from Khajuraho said, “Only PM Modi could have undertaken such an ambitious project. He has realized Atal Bihari Vajpayee's dream, and this will create jobs and enhance our lives.”

The initiation of this project has instilled a sense of hope among local communities, with many viewing it as a long-awaited chance for the development of Bundelkhand, an area that has faced persistent water shortages.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), a vital component of India's river-interlinking initiative, aims to channel water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna. This 221-km canal, which encompasses a 2 km tunnel, will supply irrigation water to over 11 lakh hectares of land. The overall project cost is Rs 2,208 crore, with 40 percent of the work already completed, and the remaining work projected to be finished by 2026.

In the second phase of the project, high-pressure irrigation systems will be established in 253 villages in the Shivpuri and Datia districts. This advancement will irrigate 1,10,400 hectares of land, benefiting around 53,790 families. Furthermore, the project will secure 6 million cubic meters of water for drinking, ensuring clean water for approximately 1.65 lakh people across 33,000 families in 125 villages in Pichor tehsil.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project promises to bring enduring change to the region, fulfilling the aspirations of both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and PM Narendra Modi by promoting sustainable development and better livelihoods for the people of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Local communities, farmers, and residents are already anticipating the positive effects this project will have on their daily lives.