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Madhya Pradesh HC seeks CEC report on Ken-Betwa link project amid claim of 6 million trees to be cut
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 10 Oct 2026, 07:01 AM
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The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the Centre to submit the CEC’s assessment of the Ken-Betwa link, citing a petition that alleges the project will fell about 6 million trees and affect the Panna Tiger Reserve and Ken Gharial Sanctuary.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to the Union government, directing it to furnish the Central Empowered Committee's (CEC) report on the Ken-Betwa link project. The court's order follows a public interest petition that highlights concerns over massive deforestation, estimating that the scheme could lead to the felling of roughly six million trees.
Petitioners also warned that the proposed water‑transfer infrastructure could encroach upon the ecologically sensitive Panna Tiger Reserve and the Ken Gharial Sanctuary, potentially disturbing the habitats of tigers, gharials and other wildlife.
The court has scheduled a further hearing to examine the CEC's findings and to determine whether the project complies with environmental clearances and social safeguards. No final decision on the project's continuation has been made pending the review of the report.
Stakeholders, including environmental groups and local communities, have been urged to present any additional evidence during the upcoming proceedings. The outcome will influence the future of the multi‑billion‑rupee water‑link scheme, which aims to augment irrigation and drinking water supplies in the region.
Petitioners also warned that the proposed water‑transfer infrastructure could encroach upon the ecologically sensitive Panna Tiger Reserve and the Ken Gharial Sanctuary, potentially disturbing the habitats of tigers, gharials and other wildlife.
The court has scheduled a further hearing to examine the CEC's findings and to determine whether the project complies with environmental clearances and social safeguards. No final decision on the project's continuation has been made pending the review of the report.
Stakeholders, including environmental groups and local communities, have been urged to present any additional evidence during the upcoming proceedings. The outcome will influence the future of the multi‑billion‑rupee water‑link scheme, which aims to augment irrigation and drinking water supplies in the region.