Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is a matter of joy that a new step has been taken for Ken-Betwa Link National Project on launch of ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. This agreement will help to realise dream of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Prime Minister was inaugurating ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan- Catch the Rain’ through video-conferencing on World Water Day. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in virtual programme from Mantralaya. Chouhan signed a tripartite contract between Central Government, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for Ken-Betwa Link National Project. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that today is a dream come true for Madhya Pradesh and Bundelkhand in particular. Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had a dream of connecting rivers of country. If river basins which have more water are linked to river basins with less water, then water will not go waste and it can be used for irrigation and drinking water purposes.

 

This dream vision has been realised by our glorious and visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ‘Nadi Jodo Pariyojana’ is one of the best examples of Sahakari Sanghvad (Co-operative Federalism). He said that this project will irrigate 8.11 lakh hectare unirrigated area in nine districts of Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. About 41 lakh people will have easy access to drinking water.

 

The contribution of former Chief Minister Uma Bharti in this project is particularly noteworthy. Expressing his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chouhan said that as a result of PM’s vision, project is moving towards completion. He thanked Union Jalshakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and congratulated Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath as well.