On January 28, 2024, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the Central Government for the preparation of a joint DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project (ERCP). The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav. The signatories to the agreement were Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, Rajasthan and Dr. Rajesh Kumar Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, Madhya Pradesh.
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Key features of the ERCP:
- The project will provide irrigation and drinking water to 26 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- It will irrigate more than 5.8 lakh hectares of land and provide drinking water to lakhs of people for 30-40 years.
- The project will also boost industrial investment, tourism and educational institutions in both states.
- The central government will bear 90% of the cost of the project and the state governments will bear 10%.
- A proposal will be soon brought to the Union Cabinet for approval.
- The estimated cost of the project is around 50 thousand crores.
Benefits of ERCP for Rajasthan:
- Drinking water will be available in 13 districts of eastern Rajasthan: Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Dausa, Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer and Tonk.
- Irrigation water will be available for 2,80,000 hectares of area in the state.
- About 25 lakh farmer families of 13 districts will get irrigation water and about 40% population of the state will get drinking water.
Components of ERCP:
- Renovation of existing dams and construction of new dams
- Feeder system from Ramgarh Barrage to Dungri Dam
- Augmentation of capacity of Isarda Dam
Benefits of ERCP for Madhya Pradesh:
- The project will meet the drinking water and industrial needs of several districts including Shivpuri, Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Indore and Dewas.
- 7 dams will be constructed in Madhya Pradesh under the project.
The ERCP is a landmark project that will have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of people in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It will not only provide much-needed irrigation and drinking water, but also boost economic development in the region.
ERCP: A tripartite MoU between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the Central Government