Ken-Betwa project protests explained: Behind 'chita' and 'faansi' demonstrations in Madhya Pradesh

Protesters in Madhya Pradesh have taken to the streets in a dramatic display of resistance against the Ken-Betwa Link Project, using symbolic acts such as funeral pyres and hanging to highlight their grievances. The demonstrations, which took place in Chhatarpur district, saw tribal communities staging a sustained campaign against the large-scale infrastructure initiative, alleging severe socio-economic and ecological consequences. The protest, known as the 'Chita Andolan,' began on July 3 and has continued along the banks of the Barana river near Kupi village. Led primarily by tribal women, the demonstrators have engaged in a variety of non-violent forms of protest, including 'jal' (water) satyagraha, 'chita' (funeral pyre) satyagraha, and a symbolic 'faansi' (hanging) satyagraha. These actions reflect deep-seated concerns over land rights, displacement, and the loss of traditional ways of life. On Sunday, law enforcement intervened to break up the gathering, leading to the dispersal of protesters and the relocation of movement leader Amit Bhatnagar to a hospital after he had been on an 11-day hunger strike. According to reports, Bhatnagar accused the authorities of denying justice to those affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project, as well as the Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects. He claimed that displaced families had suffered the loss of their land, forests, water resources, and cultural identity, while others were subjected to false legal proceedings, forced evictions, and even the disruption of essential services like electricity and education. The Ken-Betwa Link Project, officially named the Ken, Betwa Link National Project, is a massive irrigation initiative designed to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River basin. It employs an underground pressurized pipeline system and is under construction in Chhatarpur and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh. As per a government release dated December 15, 2025, the project has an estimated total cost of ₹44,605 crore, with ₹39,317 crore coming from central funding via a Special Purpose Vehicle called the Ken, Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA). The project aims to provide potable water to approximately 44 lakh people within the state and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, it is projected to generate 103 megawatts of hydropower and 27 megawatts of solar energy. Despite these developmental promises, the project has drawn criticism from environmental organizations and local communities, particularly regarding its impact on wildlife habitats and forest areas, including parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve. Local administrative officials, including Vijay Dwivedi, the Bijawar Sub-Divisional Magistrate, stated that the protest was brought to their attention through media reports rather than direct communication. Dwivedi noted that officials had engaged with the protesters to assess their demands and assured that grievances from Panna district would be handled locally, while those from Chhatarpur would be addressed by the respective administration. In contrast, Umang Singhar, the Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, voiced his disapproval of the police response and raised concerns over the hospitalization of Bhatnagar. His comments underscore the political tensions surrounding the issue, highlighting the broader implications of the protests beyond local governance. As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on resolving the disputes between the government and the affected communities, ensuring that the voices of those impacted are heard and that their rights are protected. The outcome of this ongoing conflict could set a precedent for future development projects in the region.