Staff Reporter
The long-awaited Ken-Betwa River Link Project, India’s first inter-basin water transfer initiative, is poised to transform the lives of farmers in Bundelkhand, a region plagued by water
scarcity. For years, locals have faced severe droughts and were forced to migrate in search of work. However, with the new project, they are hopeful it will end their reliance on erratic rainfall and bring prosperity to the area.
“This project is a dream come true,” said Munna Asati, a farmer from Satai village.
“Our land has been dry due to unpredictable rainfall, making it difficult to even grow one crop. With this project, we’ll have a continuous water supply, allowing us to cultivate multiple crops throughout the year and improve our livelihoods.
In the tribal-dominated village of Kunderpura, where nearly 90% of residents migrate to places like Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab for employment, the project is seen as a lifeline.
A local resident shared, “With water now available, we won’t need to leave our homes. We can stay with our families, take care of our elders, and ensure better education for our children.”
Farmers from neighboring villages like Simra Panihar and Hakimpura are equally optimistic. Baldu Kewat, Ramnarayan Dubey, and Rameshwar Ahirwar expressed their joy at the prospect of cultivating three crops a year, compared to just one previously.
“With consistent water supply, our income will improve, allowing us to better support our families and improve our living standards,” they said.
The project also offers a solution to the declining groundwater levels and drying up of local water sources, a concern voiced by farmers like Brij Gopal Awasthi, Prakash Pandit, Asaram Sahu, and Bhawani Deen Mishra. They believe that the Ken-Betwa project will replenish groundwater and provide reliable irrigation for crops.
“This will not only benefit agriculture but also support animal husbandry, with plenty of water and fodder for livestock,” they added.
The impact of the project is expected to be far-reaching, extending beyond agriculture. Local residents Babulal Patel and Bihari Lal Patel from Khajuraho believe that the increased water availability will boost tourism, drawing more visitors to the famous Khajuraho temples. “With improved infrastructure and better livelihoods, industries in the region will also see growth,” they noted.