Protest over Dhoudan dam enters ninth day as work remains stalled in MP

Protest by tribals and farmers displaced by the proposed Dhoudan dam under the Ken–Betwa river-linking project entered its ninth consecutive day on Monday , with construction work still completely stalled and tensions continuing in the region.

Villagers from multiple affected areas in Panna district, including Majhgawan, Runj and nearby settlements, have been camping at the project site demanding a revised compensation package and proper rehabilitation for displaced families.

The protesters are seeking Rs 12.5 lakh compensation per family , alleging unequal treatment compared to other dam-affected communities. They argue that earlier rehabilitation packages were inadequate and that several eligible families have not yet received full compensation.

District officials, including senior revenue officers, visited the site and held discussions with the agitators. The administration maintained that compensation has been disbursed as per land acquisition laws and government guidelines, stating that nearly all payments in Runj and over 90 per cent in other affected villages linked to the Ken-Betwa river-linking project have already been completed. Authorities also said a fresh survey would be conducted if any eligible beneficiary was left out.

However, officials termed the demand for revising earlier compensation awards as policy-wise not feasible , noting that earlier awards had been finalised years ago.

The agitation, led by social activist Amit Bhatnagar, has continued despite repeated rounds of talks. He has alleged that compensation has not reached a large section of affected families and claimed there are serious discrepancies in the rehabilitation process. Protesters insist that no land will be handed over unless due constitutional procedures and gram sabha approvals are fully followed.

The protest has also intensified in recent days, with villagers, especially tribal women, holding symbolic demonstrations and sit-ins at the site. The situation briefly turned tense during these demonstrations, prompting heightened security deployment.

Since the protest area lies within the core zone of Panna Tiger Reserve, authorities have tightened security and imposed restrictions under Section 163 BNSS to maintain law and order around the construction zone.

District Collector Parth Jaiswal has appealed for calm, urging protesters to resolve the issue through dialogue and assuring that no eligible displaced person will be denied compensation after verification. A medical team was also sent to the site, though health check-ups could not be conducted due to ongoing tensions.