SC-NBWL Approves Forest Diversion for Ken-Betwa Irrigation Dam
Why focus: GS3 Environment / Map-based. Merges Ken-Betwa link with Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve—ideal for 'How-Many-Correct' spatial MCQs.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The 272 hectares in question were protected as the core area of the recently notified Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, meant strictly for wildlife conservation. NOW: This land has been cleared by the SC-NBWL for diversion to build an irrigation dam.
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BEFORE: Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve functioned as an untouched compensatory habitat to offset the submergence of Panna Tiger Reserve. NOW: The compensatory habitat itself is facing fragmentation and habitat loss due to auxiliary infrastructure for the same overarching river-linking project.
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BEFORE: Environmental mitigation plans relied on secure, alternative habitats to justify the clearance of major ecological hotspots like Panna. NOW: A precedent is set where even these designated compensatory forest lands can be later diverted for developmental needs.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)With reference to the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project and related conservation efforts, consider the following statements: 1. The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh was notified specifically to compensate for habitat loss in Panna Tiger Reserve. 2. The Ken-Betwa project involves transferring surplus water from the Betwa river basin to the Ken river basin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?