21 June Ras Mains Answer Writing

Answer:

1. Rajasthan Secondary Town Development Sector Project (RSTDSP)
   (January, 2021 to November, 2027)
2. Rajasthan Urban Sector Development Program– (RUIDP Phase-III)
3. Rajasthan State Highway Investment Programme(Phase 1 and Phase 2)

Answer:

• This project is funded by the New Development Bank (NDB).
• Project is effective from May, 2018 and scheduled to be completed by February, 2025.
• The total project cost is estimated as ₹3,291.63 crore and proposed to be executed in seven years.
• Provide benefits to Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Nagaur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Jaisalmer and Barmer districts
• Main features:
  • Relining of Indira Gandhi Feeder
  • The problem of SEM will be overcome
  • Capacity building of Water Users Association, Command Area Development activities including micro-irrigation, agricultural diversification etc.

Rehabilitation of distribution system of IGMN

Answer:

 On January 28, 2024, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to implement the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-ERCP (Modified PKC-ERCP) Link Project.

ERCP : Introduced in the 2017-18 state budget to harvest surplus water from southern Rajasthan rivers and transfer it to water-deficient basins in south-eastern Rajasthan.
Features

• Chambal Intra-Basin Water Transfer: Utilizes surplus monsoon water from Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej, and Chakan sub-basins, redirecting it to water-scarce regions such as Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati.
• Extensive Coverage: The project will cover 23.67% of Rajasthan’s geographical area and benefit 41.13% of its population.
• Infrastructure Development: Involves constructing barrages, dams, canals, and pumping lines to facilitate water transfer. Key structures include: Ramgarh Barrage at River Kul (Baran), Navnera Barrage at River Kalisindh (Kota), Doongri Dam at River Banas (Sawai Madhopur), Mej Barrage at River Mej (Bundi) etc.
• Phased Implementation: Initially proposed to be completed in three phases over seven years (2017-2023).
• Resource Allocation: The original DPR allocated 50% of the water for supply, 36% for irrigation, and 14% for industrial use.
• Project Cost: The recent Rajasthan budget has increased the project cost from Rs. 37,250 crore to approximately Rs. 45,000 crore.

Benefits

1. Water Supply: Ensures a reliable supply of drinking and industrial water for 13 districts in Eastern Rajasthan and Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh. (13 Districts from MP as well)
   1. Benefiting Districts: Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Dholpur.
2. Enhanced Irrigation: Provides irrigation for 2.8 lakh hectares in each state, significantly boosting agricultural productivity.
3. Efficient Water Use: Prevents the wastage of surplus water in the Chambal basin.
4. Elimination of Redundant Projects: The ERCP will render several pipeline projects unnecessary, such as the Indira Lift Irrigation Scheme, Pipalda Lift Irrigation Scheme, and Dholpur Lift Irrigation Scheme.
5. Groundwater Recharge: Includes provisions to fill existing enroute panchayat tanks, improving the groundwater table in rural areas.
6. Economic Growth: Allocates water for industrial needs, including the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), promoting industrial investment, boosting GDP, and creating employment opportunities.
7. Water Storage: Allows for the storage of water from the Chambal river and its tributaries in dams for 100 days annually, ensuring year-round availability.
8. Flood and Drought Mitigation: Helps manage flood and drought conditions in the region.
9. Conjunctive Use: Enhances the availability of both surface and groundwater resources.

The ERCP will transform eastern Rajasthan by addressing water needs, supporting agriculture and industry, and boosting socio-economic conditions, thus replicating the success of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project.   

Answer:

Fifteen killed in Railway accident

(Rahul, a correspondent)

Ajmer, Dec 24, 2023. A serious railway accident took place last night near Kishangarh when the Udaipur bound Chetak Express collided with a derailed goods train near Kishangarh about fifteen kilometres from Ajmer. The Jaipur bound goods train had derailed only one hour before the accident. Some of its wagons had overturned causing blockade of the track on which the Chetak Express was coming. As the engine of the Chetak Express rammed into the wagons, several coaches of the superfast train derailed with a deafening noise. The injured passengers were crying for help. People from the nearby village rushed to the site of the accident and helped the passengers. The Ajmer police and the railway authorities reached the spot and immediately started relief and rescue operations.

It is reported that fifteen persons were killed and several got injured in the accident. The injured have been admitted to Victoria Hospital Ajmer. The condition of ten passengers is stated to be serious. Relief and rescue operations are going on. The Governor of Rajasthan has expressed profound grief over the death of the passengers and offered condolence and sympathy with the families of those killed in the accident. The cause of the accident is not yet known.