Indian villagers stage ‘water funerals’ to protest river-linking project

Farmers and tribal villagers in central India staged symbolic “water funerals” to protest a major river-linking project they say threatens their homes, land and livelihoods.

Indian farmers and tribal villagers staged symbolic “water funerals” in Madhya Pradesh to protest the Ken-Betwa River Link Project.

Protesters lay on funeral pyres placed in the water, covered themselves in mud and stood in the river with nooses around their necks.

They say the multi-billion-dollar project threatens their homes, land and livelihoods, and are demanding fair compensation and rehabilitation. Authorities say eligible families are being compensated and resettled.