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Source-This post on PKC-ERCP Link Project has been created based on the article “Rajasthan, MP, Centre sign MoU for modified river linking project” published in “The Indian Express” on 29 January 2024.
Why in the news?
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (MP) signed an MoU with Ministry of Jal Shakti for implementation of the ‘Modified PKC-ERCP’ which is the second-largest project under the national perspective plan of interlinking.
About the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project:
Aim– To divert surplus water available during rainy season in rivers in Southern Rajasthan such as Chambal and its tributaries, including Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh, to districts where there is scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation.
– To provide drinking water to 13 districts of Rajasthan and provide irrigation water for 2.8 lakh hectares of land through 26 different large and medium projects.
13 districts: Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Dholpur.
– To meet drinking and industrial water needs of the southern and south eastern Rajasthan, for humans and livestock till the year 2051.
Need for the project
1) According to the state Water Resources Department, Rajasthan has only 1.16% of India’s surface water and 1.72% of groundwater.
2) Among the state’s water bodies, only the Chambal river basin has surplus water. Thus, the ERCP aims to create a network of water channels which will cover 23.67 % area of Rajasthan along with 41.13 % population of the state.
Significance of the project
1) A significant area of land will get irrigation facilities.
2) It will improve the groundwater table in the rural areas of the state.
3) This will positively influence the socio-economic conditions of the people.
About chambal river
| Origin | 1) The perennial Chambal originates at Janapav ,south of Mhow town(M.P.) 2) It rises in the old Vindhya Range and flows in northeastern direction. 3) It flows through three Indian states- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. |
| Mouth | It ends in confluence of five rivers, including the Chambal, Kwari, Yamuna, Sind, Pahuj, at Pachnada near Bhareh in Uttar Pradesh state. |
| Main tributaries | Left-hand tributaries- the Banas and Mej Right hand tributaries- the Parbati, Kali Sindh and Shipra rivers |
| Important dams | Gandhi Sagar dam, Rana Pratap Sagar dam and Jawahar Sagar Dam |
| National park and wildlife sanctuaries | National Chambal Sanctuary for critically endangered Gharial |
Kalisindh river
| Origin | It rises in the Vindhya Range near Bagli in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh. |
| Mouth | It joins the Chambal River at Nonera village in Kota district. |
Parbati river
| Origin | It rises from the Vindhya range in Sehore district Madhya Pradesh. |
| Mouth | Falls into Chambal River in Sawai Madhopur District. |
UPSC SYLLABUS- Geography In News/Schemes programs
