Thursday, August 25 2005 15:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a historic step towards linking major rivers in the country, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) today (August 25, 2005) signed the first such Memorandum of Understanding for connecting the Ken and Betwa rivers to enhance irrigation and water supply in the two states.

The tripartite agreement, paving the way for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Centre, was signed by UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, MP Chief Minister Babulal Gaur and Water Resources Development Minister P R Dasmunsi in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The project, estimated to cost over Rs 4,000 crore, envisages diversion of surplus waters in Ken river basin to water deficit Betwa basin through construction of a Daudhan Dam on Ken River and a 231 km long link canal.

Describing the signing of the agreement as a 'historic step' for the benefit of the people in the two states, Yadav told reporters that it would be a role model for other states to resolve their river disputes.

Gaur said the MoU fulfilled the dream of then Prime Minister A B Vajpayee for inter-linking the country's rivers.

Once the surplus waters of the Ken basin are transferred to Betwa, it would enhance irrigation and water supply in Chatarpur, Tikamgarh, Panna, Raisen and Vidisha districts of Madhya Pradesh and Hamirpur, Banda and Jhansi districts of UP.

Dasmunshi said certain reservations of the Uttar Pradesh Government, regarding the feasibility report of Ken-Betwa Link Project, as prepared by National Water Development Authority will definitely be addressed at the DPR stage.