Context: The Detailed Project Report (DRP) on Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project submitted by Rajasthan will be analysed by various Central agencies.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project; key facts about important locations.
About Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project
- PKC-ERCP is a river interlinking project aimed at addressing the water scarcity challenges in the eastern region of Rajasthan.
- The project will cover 13 districts of Rajasthan and a population of approximately 2.5 crore people.
- Key details:
- Water source: ERCP plans to utilise the surplus water from the Chambal basin (particularly Kalisindh, Parvati and Chambal rivers) and redirect it to water-deficient sub-basins such as Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati.
- Proposed infrastructure: Infrastructure will include a canal, Doongri Dam and associated reservoir.
- Significance of ERCP:
- Water availability: Rajasthan is an arid and semi-arid region facing significant water shortages. ERCP is intended to improve availability in water scarce regions to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall.
- Irrigation management: The project aims to boost irrigation facilities in 2 lakh hectares in the region, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihood of farmers.
Challenges and concerns related to the project
- Environmental impact: The project involves construction of the Doongri dam and reservoir which will lead to the submergence of regions of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
- Restrain biodiversity movement- The reservoir will divide North Ranthambore and south Ranthambore leading the barrier in the migration corridor of species in reserve.
- Interstate dispute: Neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh have raised the sharing of Chambal water, this may lead to potential legal and political disputes regarding water sharing.
- Delays in implementation: The project is witnessing delays as it does not have National project status. Further, environmental activism and poor political will is also delaying the project.
Way Forward
- Securing National Project status: Intensifying dialogue with the central government to recognize ERCP as a national project may accelerate the development
- Dialogue with neighbours: Rajasthan government should have proper dialogue with Madhya Pradesh government to build consensus over water sharing agreement of Chambal.
- Alternate green corridor: Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment should be conducted to find an alternate green corridor for migration of the species in Ranthambore Tiger reserve.
- Using technology: A proper planning of identifying water resources and long term impact should be predicted by using geo-spacial satellites and hydraulic modeling.
- Community participation: ERCP will impact tribals like Van Gujjars of Ranthambore Tiger reserve region. These communities should be considered under planning of the project to evaluate the alternate livelihood for them.
- Focus on micro-irrigation: ERCP will only provide water but the focus should be on effective utilisation of the water. Therefore, micro-irrigation projects like sprinkler and drip should be promoted in the region.
About Tiger Reserves in Rajasthan
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:
- Located in Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan.
- It is nestled between Aravali in the West and Vindhya ranges in the East side.
- Banas river flows through the reserve. Banas is a tributary of Chambal river.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar): Situated in the Aravalli Hills, Sariska is known for its efforts in tiger relocation and conservation. It also houses historical ruins like the Kankwari Fort.
- Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (Kota): A newer reserve established in 2013, it spans the Mukundra Hills and aims to expand tiger habitats in Rajasthan.
- Ramgarh Vishdhari: It is the fourth Tiger reserve of Rajasthan and 52nd Tiger reserve of the nation declared in 2022. Mej river, a tributary of Chambal flows through this region. Famous for Monitor Lizards.