Tribal protest against Ken-Betwa project ends after police dismantle site

A 15-day-long tribal protest against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Madhya Pradesh ended after police dismantled the demonstration site. The protest took place on the banks of the Barana river near Kupi village. Authorities removed temporary structures and symbolic pyres set up by the demonstrators, who were opposing the project. The Ken-Betwa project aims to transfer water from the Ken river to the Betwa river to address water scarcity in the region. However, tribal communities and environmental groups have raised concerns over displacement of people and potential ecological damage. The protesters had been demanding a review of the project and better compensation for affected families. Police action came after negotiations failed to resolve the standoff. Officials stated that the removal was necessary to maintain law and order. No violence was reported during the operation. The protest had drawn attention from local leaders and activists, but with the site cleared, the demonstration has effectively ended. The project, approved by the central government, is expected to benefit several districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, critics argue that it will submerge large forest areas and disrupt the lives of indigenous communities. The state government has assured that rehabilitation plans are in place.