Introduction
The Daudhan Dam is the principal structure of the Ken–Betwa Link Project (KBLP), India’s first river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP). It is proposed to be constructed across the Ken River near Daudhan village in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The dam is intended to store surplus water from the Ken basin and transfer it to the water-deficit Betwa basin, particularly benefiting the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Key Features
- River: Ken River (a tributary of the Yamuna)
- Location: Near Daudhan village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh
- Project: Ken–Betwa Link Project (Phase I)
- Implementing Agency: National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
- Executing Authority: Ken–Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA)
- Purpose: Multipurpose storage dam for irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation.
Objectives
The Daudhan Dam has been designed to:
- Store monsoon runoff of the Ken River.
- Transfer water to the Betwa basin through a link canal.
- Provide irrigation to drought-prone areas of Bundelkhand.
- Supply drinking water to rural and urban settlements.
- Generate hydroelectric power.
- Improve water availability during lean seasons.
Importance
The dam forms the backbone of the Ken–Betwa Link Project. Without the reservoir created by the Daudhan Dam, inter-basin transfer of water would not be possible. It is therefore considered the most critical infrastructure component of India’s first river-linking project.
The project is expected to improve agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on erratic monsoon rainfall and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Bundelkhand region, which frequently experiences droughts and water scarcity.
Environmental Concerns
The Daudhan Dam has attracted significant environmental debate because part of its reservoir area falls within the Panna Tiger Reserve, one of India’s important tiger habitats.
Major concerns include:
- Submergence of forest land.
- Loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitat.
- Impact on tiger, vulture and gharial populations.
- Alteration of the Ken River’s ecological flow.
- Changes in aquatic biodiversity and riverine ecosystems.
To mitigate these impacts, compensatory afforestation, wildlife management plans and habitat improvement measures have been proposed. Environmental clearances have also prescribed conditions for maintaining ecological flows in the river.
Socio-Economic Significance
The project is expected to:
- Irrigate a large area of agricultural land in Bundelkhand.
- Improve drinking water availability in several districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Generate employment during construction and operation.
- Promote rural development and agricultural diversification.
- Reduce migration caused by recurrent droughts.
Challenges
Despite its developmental benefits, the project faces several challenges:
- Environmental conservation in the Panna landscape.
- Rehabilitation and resettlement of affected families.
- High construction and maintenance costs.
- Interstate coordination between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Ensuring sustainable management of river flows under changing climatic conditions.
Conclusion
The Daudhan Dam is the central component of the Ken–Betwa Link Project and represents a landmark in India’s river interlinking programme. It has the potential to significantly improve water security, irrigation and livelihoods in the Bundelkhand region. However, its long-term success will depend on balancing developmental objectives with ecological conservation, effective rehabilitation of affected communities and sustainable management of river ecosystems.
