Day 48 | RAS Mains 2025 Answer Writing | 90 Days

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 :

1. 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.
2. Extensive Coverage: The project will cover 23.67% of Rajasthan’s geographical area and benefit 41.13% of its population.
3. 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.
4. Phased Implementation: Initially proposed to be completed in three phases over seven years (2017-2023).
5. Resource Allocation: The original DPR allocated 50% of the water for supply, 36% for irrigation, and 14% for industrial use.
6. 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 17 districts in Eastern Rajasthan and Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh. (13 Districts from MP as well)
   • Benefiting Districts: Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Dholpur.
2. Enhanced Irrigation: Provides irrigation for 2.51 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.