Activist Amit Bhatnagar ended his 18-day fast over displacement issues arising from the Ken Betwa river linking project and other irrigation projects in Madhya Pradesh.
Their mother convinced him to end his fast after he reached his hometown Bijawar in Chhatarpur district, after being discharged from hospital, Bhatnagar’s brother Ankit told PTI.
“He was not feeling well. Our mother made him break his fast after he reached home,” Ankit said.
Chhattarpur Collector Parth Jaiswal said Bhatnagar was transferred to his hometown on Thursday after his health improved. He was first admitted to the Bijawar Civil Hospital and then to the ICU of the district hospital after the police removed him from the protest site.
Chhatarpur police dispersed the protest in Kopi village on July 19, citing rising water levels in the Parana River during the monsoon. Bhatnagar then told PTI that his fast will continue.
Claims for rehabilitation and compensation
The protest began on July 3 under a bridge under construction over the Parana River. The demonstrators demanded an investigation into alleged irregularities in rehabilitation and the payment of compensation to those displaced by the Kin-Betoa Link Project and other irrigation projects, in addition to demanding legal rights for affected families.
They alleged widespread corruption in the implementation of rehabilitation programs and demanded an impartial investigation to ensure justice for families who have yet to receive benefits.
Bhatnagar had claimed that on the day the administration vacated the protest site, he was preparing to submit documents to the media alleging violations that warranted the protest. $400 Crores.
The organization claims that there are restrictions during hospitalization
Before Bhatnagar ended his fast with coconut water, the local Jai Kisan Sangathan, which participated in the agitation, claimed in a statement that his family, journalists, social activists and fellow protesters were not allowed to meet him while he was hospitalized.
She also claimed that women in several villages launched ‘Chulha Bandh’ protest in support of the agitation.
The organization quoted Bhatnagar as saying that his agitation was not directed against any individual, political party or government but sought to protect the constitutional, environmental and legal rights of tribal communities and families affected by the project.
He also described the administration’s decision to conduct a new survey and form a joint investigation team as a positive step, saying it would be an important outcome of the agitation if it was carried out fairly and transparently.
Management response
Collector Jaiswal said most of the complaints raised by the protesters related to villages in neighboring Panna district, while the protest was organized in Chhatarpur.
“If there is any complaint related to Chhatarpur district, it should be submitted to us. It will be duly examined and necessary action will be taken. If they have a list of affected people, they can also submit it to the administration,” he said.
About the Kin-Betoa Connection Project
the $The Rs 44,605-crore Ken-Betwa Link project is the country’s first river linking project under the National Perspective Plan. The project aims to irrigate 1.062 million hectares of land, provide drinking water to about 6.2 million people and generate hydroelectric power in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, which extends across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
