Protest Against Ken-Betwa River Project Ends After Police Clear Site

A 15-day protest against the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project in Madhya Pradesh came to an abrupt end after police cleared the agitation site. Demonstrators had been camped at the location to voice their opposition to the project, which aims to transfer water from the Ken river to the Betwa river. The project, approved by the central government, is intended to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region but has faced criticism over potential environmental damage and displacement of local communities. Police officials said the clearing was carried out peacefully, and no arrests were reported. The protesters, who included local farmers and activists, had been demanding a halt to the project pending a thorough review of its ecological and social impact. The sudden end of the protest has left many questioning the future of the movement. The Ken-Betwa project is part of India's larger river-linking plan, which has been debated for decades. While supporters argue it will boost irrigation and drinking water supply, opponents warn of serious ecological consequences. The state government has not commented on the protest's conclusion.