The News Freedom
Khajuraho(MP), December 25
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated several development projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Daudhan Dam, and Omkareshwar floating solar power plant, during a ceremony in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, marking the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Prime Minister Modi hailed the Ken-Betwa Link Project as a transformative initiative for the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, benefiting 10 districts in Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The ₹45,000 crore ($5.4 billion) project will irrigate over 11 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to local communities.
“Water security is crucial for prosperity,” Modi said, emphasizing the need for effective governance to address long-standing water crises in India. He noted that previous governments lacked the intent to resolve water disputes or implement river-linking projects.
Modi credited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the pioneer of India’s water resource management and criticized successive administrations for neglecting his vision. He also honored Vajpayee’s efforts in initiating water management reforms, which were sidelined after 2004.
The Prime Minister stressed the broader benefits of river-linking projects, including agricultural growth, industrial development, and water conservation. Madhya Pradesh is the first state to implement two major river-linking projects, including the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal initiative, Modi said.
He highlighted the role of technology and transparent governance in ensuring effective implementation of schemes like PM-Kisan and Ladli Behna Yojana. “Good governance means citizens do not have to beg for their rights,” Modi said, underscoring his government’s focus on welfare delivery and infrastructure growth.
Modi also unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin honoring Vajpayee and announced the launch of 1,100 Atal Gram Sewa Sadans to boost rural development in Madhya Pradesh.
The projects, Modi said, reflect his government’s commitment to fulfilling the dreams of India’s freedom fighters and addressing the needs of future generations.