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.

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.