MP UP seal agreement for 110-km Panna–Majhgawan canal project:Water from Ken River to be diverted into Chitrakoot’s Mandakini River

The country’s third river-linking project is also set to take shape on the land of Madhya Pradesh soon. After the Ken–Betwa Project and the Parvati–Kalisindh–Chambal Link Project, the Ken River will now be connected to the Mandakini River, which flows through Chitrakoot. The initiative was originally taken up by the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) established by RSS thinker the late Nanaji Deshmukh in Chitrakoot. The governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have reached political consensus on the project, and the MP government has already prepared a preliminary proposal. According to the proposal, 250 MCM of Ken River water will be diverted into the Mandakini. Both states will sign an agreement to divert 125 MCM each from their respective shares of Ken–Betwa Project water into the Mandakini. A high-level meeting between the two states will be held soon. After that, the final proposal will be sent by Madhya Pradesh to the Central government. A small dam on Ken in Panna; a 110-km canal to be constructed Abhay Mahajan, Organisation Secretary, Deendayal Research Institute said, ‘Discussions have been held with the MP Chief Minister and the UP Water Resources Minister to make the Mandakini perennial. Both states are ready to provide water for the project.’ Rajesh Rajora, ACS of Madhya Pradesh’s Water Resources department said, ‘The project proposal is ready and work on the DPR is underway. It will also help improve groundwater levels and the environment.’ Benefits for Both States 1. Madhya Pradesh: 2. Uttar Pradesh: 3. Major and shared benefit: Chitrakoot is a key pilgrimage centre visited by millions of devotees every year. The project will provide clean water for holy bathing to the pilgrims.