Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari on Tuesday reached the Ken-Betwa Link Project site on a motorcycle amid restrictions by the authorities to support displaced tribals protesting for fair compensation and rehabilitation. Despite heavy police deployment and administrative restrictions, Patwari, accompanied by Congress leaders, reached out to the affected families at the Chhatarpur Dhoudhan Dam site.
The administration attempted to stop the Congress leaders by erecting barricades, and forest department officials argued that their entry into the forest area would impact wildlife, the party claimed in a release.
Patwari, however, questioned the forest department's claim that his visit would disturb wildlife, pointing out that while opposition leaders were being stopped from meeting tribals, heavy machinery and hundreds of labourers continue large-scale construction work within the tiger reserve.
What are the demands of the protesters?
The protesters have been demanding a compensation package of Rs 12.5 lakh for displaced families, similar to what they claim has been sought for those affected by other dams in the region.
The Congress leader said that this struggle of the displaced families is not just for land, but for their water, forests, culture, and dignity. He accused the state government of failing to provide justice to the affected families, denying them adequate compensation and rehabilitation.
Patwari said that the Constitution and the spirit of natural justice mandate that families whose land and forests are taken away should receive land in exchange for their land and dignified rehabilitation.
The state Congress chief claimed that while he was on his way to meet the affected tribals, a heavy police force was deployed, under the instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, to stop him.
The ongoing 'chita' (funeral-pyre) movement has intensified over compensation for the tribals displaced at the Dhodan Dam of the Ken-Betwa Link Project, the country's first river linking project, with protesters seeking the release of their leader, Amit Bhatnagar, who was arrested a few days ago.
Patwari travelled by motorcycle to Dhoudan Dam and met with the protesters, who agreed to end the agitation on the condition that Amit Bhatnagar be released and their demands be fulfilled.
Additional Director of Panna Tiger Reserve, Devendra Ahirwar, said that a case would be registered against Patwari and his associates for unauthorised entry under the Wildlife Act, 1972. Entry into the core area is restricted, which is why barricades were erected, he added.
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