In News:

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments signed an agreement for the implementation of the Rs 72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project.

Modified PKC-ERCP Project Overview

• Signatories: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti signed a MoU for implementation.
• Project Type: Inter-state river linking initiative.
• Integration: Combines the long-standing Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) project with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) under India's National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers.

Objectives and Benefits

• Water Supply: Aims to provide drinking and industrial water to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan and the Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh.
• Irrigation: Expected to irrigate approximately 5.6 lakh hectares across both states.
• Groundwater Management: Focus on improving groundwater levels and enhancing socio-economic conditions in rural Rajasthan.

Project Components

• Detailed Project Report (DPR): Currently under preparation, will outline water sharing, cost distribution, and implementation strategies.
• Historical Context:
  • PKC Project: Proposed in 1980 as part of a national plan, initially focused on diverting water from Kalisindh and Newaj rivers to Chambal.
  • ERCP: Proposed by Rajasthan in 2019 to optimize water resources by redistributing surplus monsoon water from various sub-basins to deficit areas.

Geographic Focus

• Beneficiary Districts in Rajasthan: Includes Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, and others.
• River Systems Involved:
  • Chambal River: Originates in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Rajasthan, and joins the Yamuna.
  • Kalisindh and Parbati Rivers: Serve as sources for water diversion.

Implementation Challenges

• Dependable Yield Issues: The original project proposal was based on a 50% dependable yield, contrary to the 75% norm, which was unacceptable to Madhya Pradesh. This led to discussions and revisions.
• Task Force Recommendations: Integrated discussions led to the proposal of the Modified PKC-ERCP, addressing both states' concerns.

Significance of the Project

• National Perspective Plan (NPP): Part of a larger initiative to manage water resources effectively across India, aiming to address water scarcity and improve irrigation.
• Support for Industrial Development: Enhances water availability for the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, fostering economic growth.