Rahul Gandhi flags Ken-Betwa tribal displacement; complaints forwarded to MP govt

The Union ministry of tribal affairs informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday that it has received multiple representations expressing concerns regarding the displacement of individuals as a result of the Ken-Betwa river-link project in Madhya Pradesh. The ministry stated that it has forwarded these representations to the state government and relevant district administrations for investigation and suitable action.

In response to questions from Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi concerning the rehabilitation of tribal families impacted by the project, compliance with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and alleged evictions, the ministry revealed that it had not received any complaints specifically claiming that compensation allocated under the project had not reached beneficiaries.

However, the ministry did mention receiving representations raising issues of displacement due to the project. These complaints were subsequently forwarded to the Madhya Pradesh government and the respective district administrations for evaluation and appropriate action, highlighting that the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) is the responsibility of state governments and Union Territory administrations.