River Betwa

River Betwa Latest News

River Betwa that once gave life to the Vindhyas, nourished kingdoms, and witnessed the footsteps of sages and warriors alike, lies in silence – gasping, groaning, almost gone.

About River Betwa

• The Betwa River, historically known as Vetravati, is significant in central and northern India, serving as a tributary of the Yamuna River.
• It originates from Jhiri village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, in the Vindhya Range, just north of Hoshangabad (now Narmadapuram).
• It flows generally northeast through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh states and empties into the Yamuna River just east of Hamirpur after a 380-mile (610-km) course.
• Nearly half of its course, which is not navigable, runs over the Malwa Plateau before it breaks into the upland of Bundelkhand. 
• Tributaries: The Jamni and Dhasan rivers are its major tributaries. 
• Dams: The Betwa is dammed at Dukwan and Deogarh for irrigation and water management. 
• Significance: 
  • The Betwa River has been flowing since Vedic times and is mentioned in the Vedas through hymns and verses. In the Mahabharata, it is revered as Vetravati, symbolizing penance, purity, and perseverance.
  • It is part of the Ken-Betwa Link Project, a major interlinking initiative designed to transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River for irrigation and drinking purposes.
  • The Indian navy named one of its frigates INS Betwa in honour of the river.

Ken-Betwa Link Project

• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a river interlinking initiative aimed at transferring surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. 
• It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers, which was prepared in 1980.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project has two phases. 
  • Phase I will involve building the Daudhan Dam complex and its subsidiary units such as the Low-Level Tunnel, High-Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and powerhouses. 
  • Phase II will involve three components — Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.

River Betwa FAQs

Q1. In which state is the Betwa River?

Ans. The Betwa River flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Q2. Why is Betwa River famous?

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Ans. The Betwa River is famous for its cultural, religious, and economic significance, as well as major projects like the Ken-Betwa Link.

Q3. Why is Betwa called Ganga of MP?

Ans. Betwa is called the “Ganga of Madhya Pradesh” due to its historical, religious, and cultural importance in the region.

Q4. On which river is Orchha?

Ans. Orchha is located on the banks of the Betwa River in Madhya Pradesh.

Source: NDTV