Tribal Families Raise Concerns Over Displacement as Centre Reviews Ken-Betwa Project Issues
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has received several complaints and representations from tribal communities and other residents expressing concerns over displacement caused by the Ken-Betwa River-Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh.
In response to questions raised in the Lok Sabha by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi, the ministry said the concerns have been forwarded to the Madhya Pradesh government and district administrations for investigation and necessary action.
The ministry clarified that it has not received any specific complaints alleging that compensation provided under the project failed to reach beneficiaries. However, several representations have highlighted issues related to displacement, rehabilitation, resettlement, and the rights of affected families.
Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said the rehabilitation plan for Scheduled Tribe families affected by the project was prepared based on a proposal submitted by the National Water Development Agency in 2016. According to the proposal, the first phase of the project is expected to displace around 1,913 families, including 648 Scheduled Tribe families, involving more than 8,300 people.
The ministry also stated that it does not maintain centralised records of Gram Sabha meetings, consent procedures, or individual grievances under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), as its implementation falls under state governments and Union Territory administrations.
Meanwhile, protests by tribal families and local residents in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district have continued over demands related to fair rehabilitation and resettlement. Protesters have carried out symbolic demonstrations, including “Jal Satyagraha”, “Chita Satyagraha” and “Faansi Satyagraha”, drawing attention to their concerns.
The Centre has reiterated that states must ensure proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act and that no eligible forest rights claimant should be removed until their claims are fully verified and recognised.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
