Experts Raise Alarm Over Wildlife Impact of Ken-Betwa Project in Panna Tiger Reserve

The Ken-Betwa river linking project in Panna Tiger Reserve has alarmed experts, who warn of habitat loss, prey decline, and tiger conflict. With over 60 sq km of forest to be submerged, conservationists say wildlife gains made in PTR may be lost. Officials promise mitigation, but concerns remain.

Wildlife experts and forest officials have expressed serious concerns about the ongoing construction of the Ken-Betwa river linking project within the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh, warning of significant disruptions to the region’s wildlife. The project, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2024, aims to supply drinking water to around 6.5 million people in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh by diverting surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River.

Construction began in March 2025 with a road to the dam site at Daudhan village, located in PTR’s Chandra Nagar range. Since then, 15 hectares of forest have been cleared, prompting the migration of herbivores and other species to the northern areas of the reserve. Officials confirmed that animal movement patterns have shifted, increasing the risk of territorial conflicts. On May 28, a tiger known as T-2 was reportedly killed in such a conflict.

Experts also noted a drop in prey base around the core zone. Recent sightings of a tigress with two cubs and a male tiger near the Bhusaur-Gangau area, just 5 km from the project site, have heightened concerns. A Wildlife Institute of India report released in April flagged PTR’s prey density at just six animals per sq km—well below the ideal 30–60 range.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has raised red flags about the project’s ecological toll. Over 60 sq km, or more than 10% of PTR’s core area, is expected to be submerged. As mitigation, the Centre has proposed expanding PTR, relocating villages, planting 2.5 million trees, and monitoring predator behaviour via radio-collaring.

State officials said steps are being taken to acquire compensatory land and build a research centre, though only 30% of the proposed land has been secured so far. Construction of the dam’s main structure is scheduled for August or September.

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Despite assurances from project officials, conservationists worry the project could undo decades of wildlife restoration in PTR and have demanded greater transparency and environmental safeguards.