Villagers Protest India’s $87 Billion River-Linking Project as Floodwaters Rise

Tribal residents in India’s Madhya Pradesh state are protesting the Ken-Betwa river-linking project as rising water floods homes and temples. They say land their families have farmed for generations is being taken without adequate compensation or relocation. The government says more than 90% of eligible residents have received payments, including offers of at least 1.25 million rupees per hectare. The project aims to move water toward drought-prone areas and support irrigation and drinking supplies. Critics warn the dam will submerge parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve.