The 5th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Ken Betwa Link Project Authority convened today in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, under the leadership of Ms. Debashree Mukharjee, Secretary (DOWR, RD&GR). Attendees included Shri Manish Singh, Principal Secretary, WRD, MP, Shri Subodh Yadav, JS (A,IC&GW), Collector & DM of Panna and Chhatarpur, along with representatives from I&WRD, UP, Forest Department of UP MP, Field Director, PTR, NITI Ayog, MOEF&CC, WII, NWDA, CWC, and KBLPA.
Ms. Mukharjee emphasized the significance of the project for the Bundelkhand region. She underscored the need for best practices in construction, emphasizing environmental and biodiversity conservation, as well as community development. Special attention was given to the timely acquisition of land for the Daudhan Dam and Link Canal. Ms. Mukharjee directed the timely completion of all outstanding Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and urged all partners to collaborate for timely and projected benefits.
Following this, she chaired a meeting to review the progress of the Atal Bhujal Yojna.
Yesterday, Secretary (DOWR, RD&GR) visited Pipariya Village in Salaiya Gram Panchayat, Raj Nagar Block, District Chhattarpur, MP, to engage with villagers on groundwater awareness under Atal Jal. Joint Secretary Govt. of India, Mr. Subodh Yadav, Principal Secretary, Govt. of MP, Mr. Manish Singh, Collector Chhattarpur, Mr. Sandeep, and Project Director, SPMU, Atal Bhujal Yojana, MP, were present. Villagers shared experiences on groundwater management, water-saving methods, and new initiatives.
Later, Secretary (DOWR, RD&GR) and WRD, Govt. of MP, in the presence of NWDA, KBLPA, Collector Chhatarpur, and officials of WRD, MP, CWC, and KBLPA visited the Daudhan Dam site of the Ken Betwa Link Project. Discussions with KBLPA and officials of Govt. of M.P focused on planning and executing the Daudhan Dam in a timely manner. The Secretary interacted with local villagers, urging WRD, MP, and Collectors for effective implementation of R&R for the betterment of Project-affected Families.
Additionally, Secretary (DOWR, RD&GR) visited the Panna Tiger Reserve and discussed with the Field Director, emphasizing the implementation of an Integrated Landscape Management Plan in coordination with all stakeholders, ensuring timely measures are taken.