The Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project is an interstate river-linking project between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, integrating the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) with the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link to address water scarcity in eastern Rajasthan.
Key Features
- Coverage: Ensures drinking and industrial water availability in 17 districts of eastern Rajasthan.
- Irrigation Impact: Creates 2.51 lakh hectares of new irrigation potential (2.21 lakh hectares directly + 30,000 hectares via treated wastewater use) and restores 1.52 lakh hectares of existing irrigated area, mainly through sprinkler (micro-irrigation) systems.
- Cost: The Rajasthan portion of the DPR, worth ₹89,644 crore, was submitted to the Central Water Commission on 29 July 2025.
- Progress: Navnera Barrage and Isarda Dam construction completed; work worth ₹9,416.70 crore underway on three packages (Ramgarh Barrage, Mahalpur Barrage, Navnera Pump House, etc.); Letters of Allocation worth ₹13,895 crore issued for further feeder/reservoir works.
- Additional Features: Includes solar power generation for project operations and tree plantation along canal banks for environmental protection.
Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area, faces severe limitations in water resources. Despite accounting for about 10.4% of the country’s geographical area, it possesses only around 1.16% of India’s total water resources.
Current Status
- Continuous Decline in Water Table: In the last two decades, heavy extraction has caused the groundwater level to drop by 1-2 meters per year in many areas. Districts like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, and Barmer are particularly affected.
- Over-Exploited Zones: Several blocks have been declared “over-exploited” by the Central Groundwater Board. Out of 244 blocks, more than 100 exceed permissible extraction limits.
- Water Quality Issues: In many regions, groundwater contains excessive fluoride, nitrate, salinity, and arsenic, posing serious health risks.
- Heavy Dependence on Agriculture: The rapid increase in tubewells for irrigation has intensified pressure on groundwater reserves.
Major Challenges
- Over-Extraction: Uncontrolled withdrawal for farming, household use, and industry is the primary issue.
- Erratic Rainfall and Climate Change: Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and irregular monsoons hinder natural recharge.
- Pollution: Agricultural chemicals, industrial waste, and sewage are contaminating aquifers.
- Technical and Institutional Gaps: Outdated irrigation methods, low awareness, and lack of integrated management worsen the situation.
- Population Pressure: Rising population and urbanization are increasing demand while supply remains limited.
Government Initiatives and Solutions
The state government has launched several measures to address this crisis, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Chief Minister Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan 2.0, rainwater harvesting structures, and micro-irrigation systems (drip and sprinkler). Efforts for aquifer recharge through check dams, pond rejuvenation, and community awareness programs are also underway.
Rajasthan, India’s largest state, is predominantly arid and semi-arid, receiving scanty and irregular rainfall (average ~575 mm). Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, and irrigation plays a crucial role. Geographical, climatic, and human factors have placed water resources in serious crisis. Sustainable management is essential for food security, rural livelihoods, and Viksit Rajasthan @2047.
Major Challenges
- Water Scarcity and Unequal Distribution
- Acute scarcity in western districts (Barmer, Jaisalmer). Dependence on groundwater and inter-basin rivers (Indus, Ganga systems). Relatively better conditions in the eastern region.
- Groundwater Over-exploitation
- Over 83% of water is used for irrigation. Over-exploitation in more than half the districts, leading to falling water tables, salinity, and drying wells. Per capita availability is below the national average.
- Water Quality
- Fluoride, salinity, and nitrate contamination. Health issues (fluorosis) and loss of soil fertility.
- Inefficient Irrigation Practices
- Flood irrigation remains prevalent → water loss, waterlogging, and soil salinity. Climate change has increased evaporation.
- Implementation and Policy Challenges
- Delays in projects such as the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Inter-state disputes and inadequate funding.
- Climate Change
- Erratic monsoons, droughts, and rising temperatures.
Measures for Sustainable Water Management
- Efficient Irrigation Technology
Expansion of drip and sprinkler irrigation (PMKSY, Rajasthan Agriculture Infra Mission). Raising efficiency from 30-40% to 70-80%. - Rainwater Harvesting and Watershed Management
Revival of traditional structures (johads, farm ponds). Expansion of Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan. - Groundwater Regulation and Recharge
Strict implementation of the Rajasthan State Water Policy. Artificial recharge, rooftop harvesting. Volumetric pricing. - Canal Modernisation
Completing ERCP. Canal lining. Solar-powered irrigation and pipelines. - Cropping Pattern Change
Promoting low-water-consuming crops (millets, pulses). Precision agriculture and drone usage. - Institutional and Technical Measures
Bureau of Water Use Efficiency. Remote sensing (SRSAC). Water User Associations. Integration with Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
Water scarcity is a constraint on Rajasthan’s agricultural growth. Sustainable management is achievable through technology, traditional knowledge, community participation, and strong governance. This will enhance productivity and strengthen climate resilience.
