AMN / BHOPAL
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today at Bhopal reviewed the Ken-Betwa project as well as various water supply initiatives under the Atal Groundwater Scheme and Jal Jeevan Mission. He met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other officials to discuss the projects.
Mr Shekhawat said, people would soon get good news regarding the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project as the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were close to an agreement on it. He said, discussions on the project were underway between the two States since 15 years and now some minor issues are left for which there is a need for clarifications.
He said that River linking projects are important for the country. The Ken-Betwa project will benefit the dry Bundelkhand area in MP and UP. The Minister said that besides irrigating thousands of hectares, the scheme will provide drinking water to 62 lakh people.
He added that there are 31 river interlinking projects planned in the country, of which Ken-Betwa is the first that has reached an advanced level of planning.
Mr Shekhawat said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to provide drinking water of “right quality” and in “right quantity” to all rural households by 2024. He said, Madhya Pradesh has set a target of September, 2023 to achieve this target.