Tribal Women in Madhya Pradesh Protest Against River Linking Project
Demonstration Against Ken-Betwa Project
In Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, hundreds of tribal farmers, primarily women, staged a protest on Thursday by lying on mock funeral pyres. This demonstration is directed against the proposed Ken-Betwa river linking project, showcasing their determination to oppose it “till their last breath.”
The protest, referred to as “chita andolan” by the participants, featured women, some accompanied by children, lying on the pyres as a symbolic act demanding either justice or death. Tensions heightened when police attempted to disperse the protesters, leading to a clash that resulted in the law enforcement officials retreating.
Concerns Over Land and Displacement
The protesters voiced allegations of ongoing harassment by the local administration and expressed their commitment to continue fighting until their grievances are addressed. They raised concerns about the proposed project’s potential implications for their land and forest rights, as well as fears of displacement.
The Ken-Betwa river linking project is designed to transfer water from the Ken river basin to the areas lacking water in the Betwa basin. This initiative includes constructing the Daudhan dam and a canal network that spans over 200 kilometers, along with related infrastructure for irrigation and power generation.
Officials’ Perspective on the Project
Officials have stated that the project aims to meet the irrigation requirements of over one million hectares of agricultural land and provide drinking water to approximately 6.2 million people. Moreover, it is projected to benefit drought-prone districts in Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh, with plans for phased completion over several years.
Response to Protests and Restrictions Imposed
The villagers opposing the project have claimed that their concerns regarding land rights and displacement are not being adequately addressed. The agitation is reportedly being spearheaded by tribal women alongside Amit Bhatnagar, the leader of the Jai Kisan Sangathan. Bhatnagar mentioned that the funeral pyre protest would continue on Friday.
Protesters alleged that they had been obstructed from traveling to Delhi to advocate for their demands, claiming that roads were blocked, and essential supplies such as food and water to their communities had been impacted. They also reported instances of intimidation from the authorities.
Protest Sites and Security Measures
The local administration has enacted prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in certain areas of Panna and Chhatarpur, restricting public movement near the protest locations. Despite these limitations, demonstrators moved portions of their protests to the Ken river’s vicinity.
Farmers from both Panna and Chhatarpur maintained their protests within the confines of their respective districts. Villagers have indicated that police and forest department personnel have been deployed along access routes in an effort to monitor and manage movement in the area.
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Contents
Demonstration Against Ken-Betwa ProjectIn Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, hundreds of tribal farmers, primarily women, staged a protest on Thursday by lying on mock funeral pyres. This demonstration is directed against the proposed Ken-Betwa river linking project, showcasing their determination to oppose it “till their last breath.”The protest, referred to as “chita andolan” by the participants, featured women, some accompanied by children, lying on the pyres as a symbolic act demanding either justice or death. Tensions heightened when police attempted to disperse the protesters, leading to a clash that resulted in the law enforcement officials retreating.Concerns Over Land and DisplacementThe protesters voiced allegations of ongoing harassment by the local administration and expressed their commitment to continue fighting until their grievances are addressed. They raised concerns about the proposed project’s potential implications for their land and forest rights, as well as fears of displacement.The Ken-Betwa river linking project is designed to transfer water from the Ken river basin to the areas lacking water in the Betwa basin. This initiative includes constructing the Daudhan dam and a canal network that spans over 200 kilometers, along with related infrastructure for irrigation and power generation.Officials’ Perspective on the ProjectOfficials have stated that the project aims to meet the irrigation requirements of over one million hectares of agricultural land and provide drinking water to approximately 6.2 million people. Moreover, it is projected to benefit drought-prone districts in Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh, with plans for phased completion over several years.Response to Protests and Restrictions ImposedThe villagers opposing the project have claimed that their concerns regarding land rights and displacement are not being adequately addressed. The agitation is reportedly being spearheaded by tribal women alongside Amit Bhatnagar, the leader of the Jai Kisan Sangathan. Bhatnagar mentioned that the funeral pyre protest would continue on Friday.Protesters alleged that they had been obstructed from traveling to Delhi to advocate for their demands, claiming that roads were blocked, and essential supplies such as food and water to their communities had been impacted. They also reported instances of intimidation from the authorities.Protest Sites and Security MeasuresThe local administration has enacted prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in certain areas of Panna and Chhatarpur, restricting public movement near the protest locations. Despite these limitations, demonstrators moved portions of their protests to the Ken river’s vicinity.Farmers from both Panna and Chhatarpur maintained their protests within the confines of their respective districts. Villagers have indicated that police and forest department personnel have been deployed along access routes in an effort to monitor and manage movement in the area.
