Local tribal residents stage a symbolic pyre protest against the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region, invoking the slogan, "Nyay do, ya maar do" ("Give us justice, or kill us"), to demand justice over the project's impacts. Dhruval Parekh / DTE
The Ken-Betwa River Linking project, India’s first river interlinking initiative, is being built in Madhya Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region. Centred on the proposed Dodhan dam, the project has raised serious environmental and social concerns because of its location inside the Panna Tiger Reserve and its impact on villages in Chhatarpur and Panna districts.
Down To Earth documented the hardships faced by project-affected families, including alleged forced relocation and demolitions carried out during the monsoon season. Residents from affected tribal communities have staged protests demanding fair rehabilitation and resettlement packages, gender parity in compensation, and action against alleged illegal payouts to non-residents.