04-October-2024-Editorial

MODIFIED PARBATI-KALISINDH-CHAMBAL EASTERN RAJASTHAN CANAL PROJECT (PKC-ERCP)

The Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) represents a crucial inter-state collaboration between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh aimed at addressing severe water scarcity issues in Rajasthan.

This project is a component of the broader National Perspective Plan (NPP), which seeks to interlink rivers across India for enhanced water resource management.

With Rajasthan being the largest state in India but having limited surface and groundwater resources, the PKC-ERCP project is vital for ensuring water availability for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes.

About Modified PKC-ERCP

Purpose and Goals

• Water Supply Enhancement: The PKC-ERCP aims to divert surplus water from the Parbati, Newaj, and Kalisindh rivers into the Chambal River. This surplus water will be utilized to meet the drinking, and irrigation needs of various districts in Rajasthan.
• Irrigation Expansion: The project is expected to create an additional command area of 2 lakh hectares and provide irrigation benefits to approximately 4.31 lakh hectares of land, significantly increasing agricultural productivity in the region.

Components Involved

• Rivers and Their Origins:

• Chambal River: Originates from the Vindhya Mountains in Madhya Pradesh and has tributaries like Banas, Kali Sindh, and Sipra. It is crucial for the eastern part of Rajasthan.
• Parbati River: Originates from the Vindhya Range and flows into the Chambal, with no significant tributaries, indicating its reliance on direct rainfall.
• Kali Sindh River: Originates in Dewas District, Madhya Pradesh, and contributes to the water flow into the Chambal River.

• Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP): Proposed by Rajasthan in 2019, the ERCP focuses on optimising water resources by facilitating intra-basin transfers from the Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej, and Chakan sub-basins to the water-deficient sub-basins of Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati. It aims to provide drinking and industrial water to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan, including Alwar and Jaipur.

Benefits of the Project

• Economic Growth: The PKC-ERCP is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, which is vital for the rural economy of Rajasthan. Improved irrigation facilities can lead to higher crop yields and better food security.
• Sustainable Water Supply: By ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water to urban and rural populations, the project addresses immediate human needs while fostering long-term community resilience.
• Groundwater Recharge: The project aims to improve groundwater levels in rural Rajasthan, addressing critical water shortages in regions where groundwater is over-exploited.

Challenges and Considerations

Inter-State Collaboration

• The success of the PKC-ERCP depends on effective cooperation between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This includes addressing issues related to water sharing, cost-benefit distribution, and managing expectations from both states regarding water use and access.

Environmental Impact

• Biodiversity Concerns: Altering natural river flows can lead to significant ecological consequences, including habitat disruption for various species. For instance, similar river interlinking projects have raised alarms about biodiversity loss in critical habitats.
• Community Displacement: Changes to river courses can lead to displacement of local communities, raising ethical and social concerns regarding resettlement and compensation.

Implementation Issues

• The project faces challenges related to funding and land acquisition, which can delay timelines and escalate costs.
• Technical Difficulties: Engineering complexities involved in constructing canals and ensuring efficient water transfer between states can pose significant challenges.

Conclusion

The Modified PKC-ERCP is a vital initiative for ensuring sustainable water resource management in Rajasthan while addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity.

With a focus on enhancing irrigation and providing reliable water supplies, the project holds great promise for improving agricultural productivity and fostering economic development.

However, careful consideration of environmental impacts, inter-state cooperation, and implementation challenges is essential for the project’s success.

As Rajasthan navigates these complexities, the PKC-ERCP can set a precedent for sustainable water management practices across India, contributing to the nation’s broader goals of resource optimisation and environmental protection.