The Centre has defended the rehabilitation and compensation process under the Ken-Betwa Link Project, saying most eligible affected families in Madhya Pradesh have already received compensation and rehabilitation benefits. The clarification comes amid protests in parts of the state, where affected communities have alleged delays and inadequate compensation linked to displacement.

In a factual clarification issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the government said reports alleging that tribal families were being displaced without compensation were “incorrect and misleading”. It said only a limited number of cases remain pending because of legal and procedural formalities. (Press Information Bureau)

₹590.74 Crore Paid

According to government figures, 5,039 affected families have been identified for rehabilitation. Compensation awards amounting to ₹629.87 crore have been made, of which ₹590.74 crore, or 93.78 per cent, has already been paid.

The government said the remaining payments would be processed after the necessary legal and administrative formalities are completed. Land records are also being verified to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not left out of the rehabilitation process. 

Agricultural Compensation

The Centre said that as of July 2026, compensation of ₹360.66 crore had been determined for 10,913 affected persons in connection with agricultural land. Of this, ₹320.45 crore, or 88.85 per cent, had been distributed.

For houses and other residential assets, ₹149.63 crore had been sanctioned, with 93.97 per cent of the amount already paid, according to the government.

Land Compensation Rules

The rehabilitation process is being carried out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, along with a special rehabilitation package approved by the Madhya Pradesh government in September 2023.

For acquired land, compensation is being provided according to the applicable law or at ₹12.50 lakh per hectare, whichever is higher. Compensation is also provided for houses, trees, wells, tube wells and other immovable assets under applicable provisions. 

Eligible families can receive ₹7 lakh for a rural residential plot and ₹6.50 lakh for an urban plot. Families choosing not to take a plot are eligible for ₹12.50 lakh as one-time assistance, according to the Centre.

Protests Continue

The government clarification follows reports of symbolic protests, including 'Chita Andolan', 'Fansi Pradarshan' and 'Jal Satyagraha', in areas affected by the project. Protesters have raised concerns over compensation, rehabilitation and displacement. Earlier reports also recorded demands for enhanced compensation, proper resettlement and greater transparency in the compensation process. 

The issue has also drawn political attention. In July, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed support for protesters and alleged that affected tribal families had not received fair compensation and dignified rehabilitation. 

Centre's 'External Elements' Claim

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has also questioned the participation of some people in the recent protests. According to the government's clarification, names of several people involved in the demonstrations do not appear in project-affected family records, land records or compensation registers.

The Centre has therefore alleged that external elements are involved in some of the protests and are spreading what it described as misleading information about the project and rehabilitation process. 

Project's Wider Benefits

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is India's first major river-linking project to enter the implementation stage under the National Perspective Plan. It is designed to transfer surplus water from the Ken basin to water-deficient areas of the Betwa basin in Bundelkhand. 

The government estimates that the project will provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares, drinking water to nearly 62 lakh people and generate 103 MW of hydropower. The project's estimated cost is around ₹44,605 crore. 

The compensation figures released by the Centre are likely to remain a key part of the debate as implementation continues, while affected communities continue to raise questions over displacement, rehabilitation and the adequacy of benefits.

Guwahati: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday visited the flood-ravaged areas of Assam and assured residents that the Central Government would extend every possible support for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. Accompanied by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nadda inspected the worst-affected regions and interacted with families who have suffered heavy losses due to the recent floods.

The Union Minister visited Nepalikhuti village in Sibsagar district, located near the Assam-Nagaland border, where widespread destruction was caused after heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nagaland triggered the overflow of the Dikhow River on July 19. The flooding damaged homes, agricultural land and public infrastructure, leaving hundreds of families displaced.

Surveying the affected areas on a tractor, Nadda witnessed the scale of devastation firsthand. Large stretches of the village remain buried under thick layers of river silt and debris, while several damaged houses continue to stand as reminders of the disaster. Many families have reportedly lost not only their homes but also livestock, household belongings and sources of livelihood.

Speaking to the media after the visit, Nadda expressed sympathy for the affected residents and assured them that both the Central and State Governments stand firmly with them during the crisis.

"I have personally seen the destruction caused by the river flowing from Mon district in Nagaland. People have lost their lives, livestock and homes. We are with every affected family during this difficult time," he said.

The Union Minister appreciated the efforts of the Assam Government in carrying out rescue and relief operations, saying the administration had responded proactively despite the enormous scale of the disaster. However, he acknowledged that rebuilding affected communities would take time because of the widespread damage.

Nadda assured that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would ensure there is no shortage of assistance for Assam. He said financial support, compensation for affected families and resources required for rehabilitation would be made available as needed.

"The Prime Minister has always stood with the people during natural disasters. I assure everyone that there will be no shortage of support from the Centre, whether it is financial assistance, relief measures or rebuilding damaged infrastructure," the minister said.

Following the field visit, Nadda is also scheduled to inspect other flood-affected regions of the state and hold a review meeting with senior ministers and government officials. The meeting is expected to assess the ongoing relief operations and discuss long-term rehabilitation measures, including housing reconstruction, restoration of public services and support for affected farmers.

According to the latest official figures, the floods have claimed 89 lives across Assam. Sibsagar, Charaideo, Golaghat and Jorhat remain among the worst-affected districts. Although floodwaters have started receding in some areas, the situation continues to remain challenging for thousands of residents.

Government data shows that more than 1.22 lakh people are still affected by the floods nearly two weeks after the disaster began. Around 335 villages spread across 10 districts continue to face the impact of flooding, while thousands of hectares of agricultural land have also been damaged.

Relief operations are continuing across the state, with more than 12,000 displaced people currently staying in 39 relief camps and 16 relief distribution centres established by the administration. Authorities are providing food, drinking water, medical assistance and essential supplies to families living in temporary shelters.

Officials said restoration of roads, electricity, drinking water supply and damaged public infrastructure is progressing in phases as weather conditions improve. At the same time, district administrations continue to monitor river levels and remain on alert in case of further rainfall in upstream areas.

A Congress-led protest march over the demolition drive in Chhattisgarh's Nakti village turned tense in Raipur on Wednesday after party workers and police were involved in a brief scuffle near Make in India Chowk. The protest, led by Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij, was organised to demand rehabilitation of families affected by the recent bulldozer action and culminated in a march towards Raj Bhavan.

The 14-kilometre 'Nakti Nyay Yatra' began from Nakti village and moved through VIP Road before heading towards the Governor's residence. As the procession advanced, police deployed barricades and heavy security arrangements at several locations, including Ram Mandir Chowk, where the march was expected to be halted.

Tension escalated near Make in India Chowk when protesters attempted to move past police barricades. Police personnel intervened to stop the march, leading to pushing and jostling between demonstrators and security forces. The confrontation caused temporary traffic congestion on the route, although the situation remained under control.

Earlier in the day, Congress leaders and displaced residents staged a symbolic sit-in on the road, sharing a meal together as part of the protest. Women from the affected families raised slogans demanding that they be rehabilitated within Nakti village itself rather than being relocated elsewhere.

Addressing the gathering, Congress leaders alleged that poor families had lost their homes in the demolition drive carried out on June 29 and accused the state government of failing to provide adequate rehabilitation. They said the party would continue its agitation until affected residents received permanent housing and justice.

Former MLA Vikas Upadhyay said the Congress would not end its movement until every displaced family was rehabilitated in Nakti village. He reiterated that the party's demand was for proper resettlement and an impartial inquiry into the demolition exercise.

During the march, Deepak Baij suffered a recurrence of an earlier foot injury. Party leaders said he experienced severe pain while walking and later proceeded towards Raj Bhavan by car. Despite the injury, the Congress leadership confirmed that a delegation would meet the Governor and submit a memorandum highlighting the demands of the displaced families.

The delegation includes several senior Congress leaders, including former MLAs Anita Yogendra Sharma, Anila Bhediya, former Raipur Mayor Pramod Dubey, and other party functionaries, along with representatives of the affected families.

Traffic restrictions were imposed for nearly five hours between Shri Ram Mandir Tiraha (Currency Tower) and Telibandha Police Station Tiraha on the service road due to the march. Traffic police advised commuters to use the main carriageway and avoid the affected stretch.

The protest follows weeks of political confrontation over the Nakti demolition drive. The Congress has consistently alleged that the operation displaced economically weaker families without ensuring proper rehabilitation. The issue has already been raised in the Chhattisgarh Assembly, and the party has indicated it will continue both legislative and public protests until its demands are addressed.

The Raj Bhavan march marks the latest phase of the Congress campaign, with the party seeking intervention from the Governor over rehabilitation, compensation, and an independent inquiry into the demolition action.

The protest by villagers displaced by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and other development projects in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district intensified on Wednesday, with demonstrators launching a symbolic "Mitti Satyagraha" and continuing their "Chita Andolan" to press for fair compensation and rehabilitation.

The agitation, being held under the banner of the Jai Kisan Sangathan, entered its fifth day with protesters raising slogans of "Nyay Do Ya Maar Do" (Give us justice or kill us). Despite continuous rainfall, tribal men and women remained at the protest site, accusing the administration of ignoring their long-pending grievances.

Symbolic Protest Gains Momentum

As part of the latest phase of the agitation, villagers smeared mud on their bodies and lay on symbolic funeral pyres along the riverbank, describing the demonstration as a reflection of their struggle for survival after displacement.

The protesters claim they have been affected by multiple development projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgay, Runjh, Neguwa and NTPC-related land acquisition works. They allege that many displaced families have either not received adequate compensation or are still awaiting proper rehabilitation.

Activist Continues Indefinite Hunger Strike

Social activist Amit Bhatnagar, who has extended support to the movement, continued his indefinite hunger strike for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.

Bhatnagar demanded justice for displaced families and called for action against officials allegedly involved in irregularities during land acquisition and rehabilitation.

He alleged that the administration was attempting to intimidate affected families instead of addressing their concerns. According to him, the protest would continue until genuine beneficiaries receive their legal entitlements and an impartial inquiry is conducted into the alleged irregularities.

Administration Accused of Intimidation

According to the protesters, government officials visited the protest site during the day, where a heated exchange took place between officials and villagers.

The protesters alleged that they were being threatened and pressured to withdraw their agitation. They also claimed corruption in government offices, alleging that bribes were demanded during compensation-related processes and that administrative machinery was being misused to suppress their voices.

The administration has not publicly responded to these allegations.

Demand for Compensation and Independent Probe

The protesters have placed several demands before the state government and district administration, including fair compensation for land and houses acquired under various projects and proper rehabilitation of all displaced families.

They have also sought an independent, high-level investigation into alleged corruption and irregularities in land acquisition and compensation processes. The protesters further demanded strict legal action against officials found responsible for any wrongdoing and an end to what they describe as intimidation of affected villagers.

Claims of Unfulfilled Promises

Speaking during the protest, Amit Bhatnagar alleged that discussions with the administration had continued for nearly four years without any meaningful resolution.

He claimed that although earlier protests had received support from across the country, assurances given by the administration were never fulfilled. He further alleged that around 250 people were booked in false cases following previous demonstrations and that several houses were demolished before compensation was paid.

Bhatnagar also alleged that acquiring land and demolishing homes without providing compensation violated legal provisions, including protections available under the land acquisition law and judicial directives.

Dispute Over Rehabilitation Continues

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is among several major infrastructure initiatives that require land acquisition across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While the government has maintained that the project is aimed at improving irrigation and water availability in the Bundelkhand region, several affected families continue to demand transparent compensation, rehabilitation and adherence to land acquisition norms.

The protest in Chhatarpur remains ongoing, with displaced families indicating that they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.

 Residents affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project and several other development projects in Madhya Pradesh have resumed their symbolic ‘Chita Andolan’ (Pyre Protest), alleging continued displacement, unfulfilled government promises and administrative apathy. The protest, which restarted on Friday near the Barana River close to Kupi village in Chhatarpur district, is being led primarily by tribal women under the slogan “Nyay Do Ya Mar Do” (Give Us Justice or Let Us Die).

The agitation involves families impacted by multiple infrastructure and irrigation projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Majhgay Medium Irrigation Project, Runjh and Naiguwa irrigation schemes, and NTPC-related developments in Chhatarpur and Panna districts.

Protesters claim they have been repeatedly assured of rehabilitation and compensation but allege that most commitments made by the administration remain unfulfilled. The renewed movement comes months after a similar protest was temporarily suspended following discussions with officials.

Social activist and protest leader Amit Bhatnagar accused the administration of failing to address the concerns of displaced families. He alleged that nearly 50,000 people have been adversely affected due to the implementation of various projects and claimed that many have lost access to their homes, agricultural land, forests, livelihoods and traditional way of life.

Bhatnagar also raised environmental concerns over the Ken-Betwa Link Project, alleging that the project could result in the loss of around 4.6 million trees, besides affecting parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve and the Ken River ecosystem. According to him, the ecological impact would have long-term consequences for the region.

Leaders of the protest, including Divya Ahirwar, Chita and Laxmi Adivasi, alleged that none of the assurances given after the previous phase of the ‘Chita Andolan’ in April had been implemented. Instead, they claimed that several affected families faced legal action, forced evictions, electricity disconnections and demolition of schools after the earlier agitation concluded.

The protesters further alleged that false criminal cases had been registered against some participants in an attempt to discourage public opposition to the projects. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response addressing these specific claims was immediately available.

A defining feature of the renewed protest is the prominent participation of tribal women, who have taken the lead in organizing demonstrations and addressing gatherings. Many participants said they would no longer accept verbal assurances without concrete action from the government regarding rehabilitation, compensation and restoration of basic facilities.

Some protesters stated that if the government is unable to ensure justice and proper rehabilitation, they would seek permission for voluntary death, describing it as a reflection of their growing frustration over prolonged displacement and uncertainty.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is one of India's major river-linking initiatives aimed at improving irrigation and water availability across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, the project has also faced criticism from environmental groups and local communities over concerns related to displacement, rehabilitation and ecological conservation.

As the latest phase of the protest gathers momentum, the spotlight has once again shifted to the balance between large-scale infrastructure development and the rights of communities affected by such projects. Whether fresh negotiations between the administration and protesters take place in the coming days remains to be seen.

The rehabilitation dispute surrounding Chhattisgarh's Nakti village escalated on Friday as displaced residents, accompanied by Congress leaders and workers, staged a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence in Raipur. The demonstrators demanded compensation, restoration of their land, and withdrawal of criminal cases filed against villagers, warning the state government that they would intensify their agitation if their demands were not addressed within five days.

Security was tightened around the Chief Minister's residence as a large police contingent was deployed to prevent any breach of law and order. Protesters remained seated on the road for several hours and even ate meals at the protest site as a mark of defiance.

When police personnel reportedly asked them to vacate the area, villagers responded by saying that after losing their homes, they were now being prevented from even eating in public. The emotional scenes reflected growing resentment among families displaced following the recent demolition drive in Nakti village.

The latest demonstration comes just days after the affected residents surrounded the official residence of state minister O.P. Choudhary. Since the demolition, several families have continued to stay near the remains of their demolished houses despite heavy rain and muddy conditions. The villagers had earlier also staged protests outside the Raipur Collectorate, demanding relief and rehabilitation.

Villagers Seek Compensation, Land and Withdrawal of FIRs

During Friday's protest, the administration invited a delegation of ten women representatives to meet the Raipur Collector.

According to the protesters, they reiterated three key demands before the district administration:

• Restoration of their land or suitable rehabilitation.

• Adequate compensation for demolished houses.

• Withdrawal of police cases registered against affected villagers.

Officials assured the delegation that their demands would be forwarded to the state government for consideration. However, no immediate decision was announced.

The protesters subsequently dispersed after issuing a five-day ultimatum, warning that they would launch a larger statewide movement if no concrete action was taken.

Congress Warns of Statewide Protest

Congress leaders supporting the agitation accused the state government of ignoring the concerns of displaced families.

Party representatives said that if the administration failed to resolve the issue within the stipulated period, they would first approach the Governor seeking intervention. If that also failed to yield results, the Congress would consider calling for a Chhattisgarh bandh in support of the displaced villagers.

Demolition Followed Bulldozer Drive

The controversy stems from a demolition drive carried out three days earlier in Nakti village, where authorities used bulldozers to demolish around 85 houses.

According to the Housing Board, 77 individuals had allegedly encroached upon nearly 15 hectares of government land earmarked for development. Officials have maintained that rehabilitation measures, including allotment of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing, have been initiated for affected families. However, several displaced residents claim that many families are yet to receive alternative accommodation.

Political Row Deepens

The issue has generated political debate across party lines.

Reports indicate that two days before the demolition, villagers had met Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, who allegedly assured them that no demolition would take place during the monsoon while discussions were underway to find a solution. Despite those assurances, the demolition was carried out on June 29, prompting criticism from local residents.

Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Devji Bhai Patel has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, describing the demolition as harsh and urging the government to rehabilitate villagers at their original location. He suggested that the proposed MLA residential colony could instead be developed elsewhere, including in Nava Raipur.

An earlier letter written by MP Brijmohan Agrawal to the Chief Minister has also resurfaced on social media. In the correspondence, reportedly written nearly a year ago, the MP had expressed reservations over selecting Nakti village for the proposed MLA colony, arguing that evicting economically weaker families would not be appropriate from a humanitarian perspective.

Congress MLA Chaturi Nand has also urged the government to shift the proposed MLA housing project to available government land in Nava Raipur rather than displacing poor families. In her letter, she described the demolition as "inhuman" and maintained that public representatives should protect citizens' rights rather than benefit at their expense.

As political pressure mounts and displaced families continue their protests, the state government faces increasing scrutiny over its rehabilitation policy and handling of the Nakti village eviction.

The protest was against the demolition of 80 houses in Raipur's Naktī village to make way for an MLA colony; Congress leaders joined the agitation.

After an 11-hour sit-in outside the Raipur collectorate, residents of Naktī village called off their protest on Thursday following talks with administrative officials. However, they have issued a 24-hour ultimatum — if their demands are not met by Friday 11 am, they will launch an indefinite sit-in and a 'jail bharo' (go to jail) movement.

The protest was held against the demolition of 80 houses in Naktī village on Monday to make way for a proposed MLA colony. The affected families, supported by Congress leaders, staged the demonstration demanding rehabilitation and proper compensation.

On June 29, the administration demolished around 80 houses in Naktī village under Raipur's Mana area. The demolished structures reportedly included 32 houses built under PM Awas Yojana and Indira Awas Yojana.

The administration claimed that affected families have been offered rehabilitation in EWS (Economically Weaker Section) houses in Sector-30, Naya Raipur. However, villagers rejected this, saying the houses are too small for their families and lack basic facilities.

"We have been given houses, but they are so small that a family cannot live in them. There are no proper facilities," a protester told reporters.

Congress leaders, including Raipur district Congress functionaries, joined the protest. Saraypali Congress MLA Chaturinanda wrote to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, demanding that the MLA colony plan be scrapped or shifted to Naya Raipur.

"We are elected to give people a roof over their heads, not to take it away. We do not want such an MLA colony built by demolishing the homes of the poor," Chaturinanda said in his letter.

Congress MLA Kavita Lahre also wrote to the Chief Minister opposing the demolition. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel visited the affected families the day after the demolition and assured them of Congress support.

A year-old letter from Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has gone viral on social media. In the letter, Agrawal had objected to the land selection for the MLA colony, stating that displacing the poor was not humane.

Notably, villagers had met Agrawal just two days before the demolition. The MP had assured them that no demolition would take place until the monsoon ended and that efforts were being made to find a middle ground.

Protesters are demanding:

- Immediate halt to the demolition drive

- Proper rehabilitation and compensation for affected families

- Alternative land for the MLA colony in Naya Raipur

MLA Chaturinanda has suggested that the government develop the MLA colony in Naya Raipur, where hundreds of acres of government land are available.

"Demolishing the homes of the poor to build luxury accommodations for public representatives is not right under any circumstances," he wrote.

Police had barricaded the collectorate and deployed additional forces to manage the protest. Officials held discussions with the protesters and convinced them to call off the sit-in temporarily.

The district administration has maintained that the demolition was carried out after following due process and that rehabilitation is being provided. However, villagers remain unsatisfied.

The situation is being closely watched as the 24-hour deadline approaches.

Displaced families from Nakti village in Raipur spent a sleepless night under the open sky after the administration demolished around 80 houses early Monday morning for the proposed MLA colony.

The demolition drive began around 4 am after electricity supply to the area was suddenly cut off. Heavy police force was deployed as JCB machines razed the structures, including several houses built under PM and Indira Awas schemes. Many residents, including women, children, and elderly, were seen sitting helplessly on the rubble of their homes with their belongings scattered around.

Congress leader Vikas Upadhyay visited the spot late Monday night and heard the grievances of the affected people. Residents alleged that they were being given only one small room in EWS houses in Sector-30 of Naya Raipur for families as large as 12-14 members, without basic facilities like electricity, water, or toilets.

People claimed they were betrayed. Just two days ago, they had met Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, who reportedly assured them that no houses would be demolished during the rainy season and that a middle path would be found. “The MP also lied to us,” they alleged.

Congress leader Vikas Upadhyay strongly criticised the move, saying over 95 families were rendered homeless for the MLA colony. Former Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo also condemned the action, calling it insensitive, especially ahead of the monsoon.

The administration maintained that the land was government-owned and the occupation illegal. Officials claimed rehabilitation process for the 75 affected families has been initiated in Naya Raipur’s EWS housing.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with questions being raised over the timing of the demolition and the adequacy of rehabilitation arrangements. Many families spent the night in the open with children going hungry.

The situation remains tense as displaced residents continue to protest and demand proper rehabilitation before further action.

Tension gripped Nakti village in Raipur’s Mana area on Monday as the administration began demolishing around 80 houses, including 32 under PM and Indira Awas schemes, to make way for a proposed MLA colony.

Heavy police deployment was made since late Sunday night with over 1,000 personnel on the spot. As soon as the JCB machines arrived in the morning, residents came out and stood in front of the machines in protest. This led to scuffles between police and villagers. Several dramatic scenes were witnessed as people sat with their belongings outside their homes while others looked on helplessly.

One poignant image showed an elderly man sitting on the rubble of his demolished house, holding a small child in his lap. Women were seen crying and asking where they would go now.

The administration maintained that the land was government-owned and the occupation was illegal. Officials said arrangements are being made to rehabilitate the affected 75 families in EWS houses in Sector-30 of Naya Raipur. The allotment process has been expedited.

Villagers, however, argued that they have been living in the area for years and many houses were built under government housing schemes. They claimed the land was originally part of Nakti village’s nistari (common) land that later became part of the village habitation. They alleged that old land disputes and political decisions are behind the sudden drive.

This is not the first time action is being taken. Last year too, the administration had issued notices, but the drive was stopped after protests and intervention by public representatives.

The demolition drive is currently focused on Ward 16 and 17. Residents have been demanding proper rehabilitation and alternative land before eviction.The incident has once again brought into focus issues of displacement in the name of development, especially when it involves families already living under government housing schemes.

Police said they are maintaining law and order and the situation is being monitored closely. Further details on the number of houses demolished and rehabilitation timeline are awaited as the operation continues.