Society · 19 Aug 2026

Ken-Betwa Link Project

Consider the following statements regarding the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project:

  1. It envisages transfer of water from the Betwa river to the Ken river.
  2. The project involves submergence of villages located within the Panna Tiger Reserve.
  3. The Forest Rights Act, 2006 mandates Gram Sabha consent before diversion of forest land for such projects.
A1 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
This question is based on: Why Daudhan's Adivasis Are Rejecting the Price of the Ken-Betwa Dam
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 19 Aug 2026
About this question

Why in news

The Ken-Betwa link has moved from approval to active construction, with the Daudhan dam near completion; Adivasi women-led protests (the Chita Aandolan) intensified through 2026 after police used force to disperse demonstrators and houses were reportedly demolished without adequate notice.

Why for UPSC

UPSC frequently tests river-interlinking projects on directional/geographic specifics rather than the mere fact of the project's existence and pairs this with statutory safeguards like FRA consent - exactly the kind of condition-based testing this question probes.

Prelims summary

The Ken-Betwa Link (Cabinet-approved 2021) transfers water from the Ken to the Betwa river, passes through the Panna Tiger Reserve and triggers Forest Rights Act, 2006 consent requirements for affected Adivasi communities.

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