During the Madhya Pradesh legislative Assembly’s Question Hour, Opposition Leader Umang Singhar expressed worries about the displacement and rehabilitation of families impacted by the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Panna and Chhatarpur districts. The Revenue Minister, Karna Singh Verma, responded, ensuring that no eligible family has been overlooked for compensation or rehabilitation benefits. In Panna district, 1,321 families from seven villages have been displaced, and 644 account holders from eight villages are affected by land acquisition.
In Chhatarpur district, a larger number of 3,718 families from 14 villages in the Block-Bazaar area are facing impacts due to land acquisition or submergence. The minister informed the Assembly that all affected families have been granted due benefits. In Panna, all 1,321 displaced families have received rehabilitation packages, and the 644 account holders have been compensated. Similarly, in Chhatarpur district, all 3,718 families have been approved for the entitled benefits. The minister assured that no family has been denied approval.
The Opposition Leader also inquired about complaints lodged by project-affected families. The government acknowledged receiving grievances from Panna district, including issues of exclusion of eligible persons from rehabilitation lists, errors in compensation assessment, and irregularities in benefit distribution. In response, a special team conducted a fresh survey, confirming no eligible person was omitted, compensation was determined as per the law, and no irregularities were found in distribution.
In Chhatarpur district, complaints mainly focused on families excluded from the rehabilitation list. Following an official order, village-wise teams conducted fresh surveys, initially approving benefits for 3,080 families. After reviewing survey reports, an additional 638 eligible families were also sanctioned the prescribed amounts. The government emphasized taking proactive measures to address concerns, ensuring transparent implementation of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, aimed at providing irrigation and drinking water benefits in the Bundelkhand region.
