Why in News?

=> Recently, a Steering Committee and Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA) have been constituted by the Central Government to implement the Ken-Betwa Link Project (Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh) under the National River Linking Policy.

Key Points:

=> This 20-member committee will be headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Chief Engineer of National Water Development Authority will be its member secretary.

=> The Steering Committee will ensure compliance with the provisions of the MoU, approve fundamental administrative policies, bye-laws and norms for the KBLPA, approve and examine its annual budget, financial statements, and decide on its obligations and loan proposals.

=> As per the notification issued by the government, Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority will be responsible for execution of Daudhan Dam, Power House, Ken-Betwa Link Water Carrier Canal, Tunnel, Lower Project, Kotha Barrage and Bina Complex Multipurpose Project.

=> The KBLPA will be headed by a Chief Executive Officer of the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India.

=> The Ken-Betwa link project covers 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. These include 9 districts of Madhya Pradesh – Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri and Raisen. There are Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur districts of Uttar Pradesh.

=> With this entire scheme, about 10 lakh hectares of land will be irrigated in all these districts and 62 lakh people will get clean drinking water. Under this project, 103 MW hydro power and 27 MW solar plant will also be built.