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.