The Ken-Betwa Link project is a first-of-its-kind initiative to connect two rivers – one in which the Prime Minister himself is taking a keen interest.

The Ken flows through Madhya Pradesh, while the Betwa flows through Uttar Pradesh. The plan involves constructing dams on both rivers and creating a new canal to serve the vast region between them, which suffers from chronic water scarcity.

While the government claims the project will deliver water to drought-hit areas of Bundelkhand, boost agriculture, and bring greenery, local residents and tribal communities are worried about their land, forests, and livelihoods. They say the compensation being offered is meagre and that the government has not addressed the issue of rehabilitation.

The project has also seen unique and novel forms of protest. Social activist Amit Bhatnagar is spearheading the villagers’ struggle.

In this interview, we sought to understand the hardships faced by those affected by the project and their efforts to save their land and forests.

Bhatnagar argues that the government launched this project in one of the country’s hottest regions without up-to-date data. He notes that while it is termed a “river-linking project”, in reality only water from the Ken will be diverted to the Betwa – water from the Betwa will not flow into the Ken. This, he warns, poses a threat of the Ken River drying up completely.

He adds that the government and concerned officials are unwilling to engage in dialogue with local people, and that this river-linking project – as it appears on paper – tells a completely different story on the ground.

Watch this full conversation with Amit Bhatnagar.