Ken-Betwa linking project ready for launch: Minister

The project to link Ken and Betwa rivers is ready for launch, the government told the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

"The Ken-Betwa link is ready to take off any day... (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji has fulfilled Atal ji's dream," Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said.

The river interlinking project, which received Union Cabinet clearance in July 2014, was launched during the earlier National Democratic Alliance rule under the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Ken and Betwa rivers originate in Madhya Pradesh's Vindhya ranges and flow north to merge into the Yamuna river.

"People are supporting the interlinking of rivers in the country. Rumours should not be spread about it. We have addressed the concerns of environmentalists," she said.

The Indian Rivers Interlink aims to link Indian rivers through a network of reservoirs and canals to reduce persistent floods in some parts and acute water shortages in other parts of India.

Environmentalists have raised concern since the project involves building of dams, canals, and reservoirs, fearing change in salinity, silt levels and other issues.

--IANS

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