(a) whether any tribal populations are expected to be affected by the Ken Betwa river linking project;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps planned by the Government in order to rehabilitate them; and
(d) the current status of clearance of the said project and the extent of tribal areas likely to be rendered uninhabitable as a remedy of the same?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) to (d) As per DPR of Ken-Betwa Link Project, 648 tribal families (Total population about 3387) from 10 villages are proposed to be affected/displaced due to submergence in Ken-Betwa Link river-linking project.
Social Impact Assessment and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan for Project Affected Families (PAFs) of all communities including Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been prepared and included in the final EIA and EMP report. The adequate provision for Economic Rehabilitation and Resettlement package has been assessed as per the 2nd schedule of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and incorporated in DPR of the project. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) GoI has accorded clearance for R&R Plan for Scheduled Tribe Project Affected Families (STPAFs) in respect of Ken-Betwa Link Project Phase-I. Scheduled Tribe Project Affected Families will be resettled near by the project area or within Tehsil/District as per the guidelines in this regard.
The current status of clearance Ken-Betwa Link Project
Expert Appraisal Committee of MoEF&CC recommended the project for accord of environmental clearance in its meeting held on 30.12.2016. Standing Committee of National Board of Wild Life (NBWL) of MoEF&CC in its 39th meeting held on 23.08.2016 has agreed to the proposal and recommended the project for accord of wildlife clearance. Forest Land Diversion clearance from MoEF & CC is in advance stage.
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