In News:

The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP), part of the National Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme, aims to address water scarcity in 23 districts of Rajasthan, potentially benefiting 3.45 crore people. However, it has raised serious concerns over its ecological impact, particularly on the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

About the PKC-ERCP Project:

Aspect                     Details

Objective                To channel surplus water from the Chambal basin for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Estimated Cost       ?72,000 crore (90% funded by the Central Government)

Water Allocation      4,100 MCM to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh

Rivers Involved          Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas, and tributaries

Major Structure        39 m high, 1.6 km long dam across the Banas River, a Chambal tributary, near Doongri village, ~30 km from Sawai Madhopur

Submergence and Environmental Concerns:

• Total Submergence: ~408.86 sq km in Rajasthan.
• Reservoir Impact: 227 sq km to be submerged under the proposed dam across Banas River.
• Impact on Tiger Reserve:
  • 37.03 sq km of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (total area: 1,133 sq km) to be submerged.
  • This includes parts of Ranthambore National Park (392 sq km) and Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary (674 sq km).
  • May fragment the reserve, disrupting wildlife corridors and tiger movement.
• Ranthambore’s Significance:
  • Home to ~57 tigers, it is one of India’s most prominent conservation areas.
  • Situated at the Aravalli-Vindhya junction, with rich biodiversity, including leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, and iconic flora like Dhok trees.
  • Encompasses the UNESCO-listed Ranthambore Fort and the Great Boundary Fault.

Arguments For the Project:

• Addresses chronic water scarcity in eastern Rajasthan.
• Promotes agricultural productivity, drinking water security, and industrial development.
• Aims to optimize water use by diverting surplus flows.

Arguments Against the Project:

• Biodiversity loss due to habitat submergence and reserve fragmentation.
• Risks to tiger conservation efforts.
• Potential violation of environmental safeguards under the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation norms.

Long-term ecological costs may outweigh short-term developmental gains.