Wed Dec 25 10:35:21 UTC 2024: ## Modi Launches Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, Accuses Congress of Neglecting Ambedkar’s Water Vision
**Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, December 25, 2024** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the ambitious Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh, a ₹44,605 crore initiative aimed at providing drinking water to nearly 65 lakh people and irrigating 2,000 villages. The project is expected to generate 130 MW of renewable energy.
Addressing a gathering in Khajuraho, PM Modi lauded Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contribution to water resource development, accusing the Congress party of ignoring his vision and efforts in water conservation. He highlighted Ambedkar’s role in establishing the Central Water Commission and developing major river valley projects. Modi emphasized the critical importance of water security in the 21st century, stating that nations with adequate water management will be the ones to prosper.
The inauguration coincided with a controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks about Ambedkar, which sparked nationwide protests by the Congress party. PM Modi’s speech directly addressed these protests.
In addition to the Ken-Betwa project, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in Khandwa and laid the foundation stone for the Daudhan Irrigation Project. He also released a commemorative stamp and coin in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth centenary. Vajpayee’s government had originally proposed the river linking project. The event also included the ‘bhumi pujan’ for 1,153 Atal Gram Sewa Sadans. PM Modi criticized past Congress governments for delaying similar projects for decades. The Ken-Betwa project, he asserted, will bring prosperity to the Bundelkhand region.
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