New River-Linking Pact between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh: A Modified Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project
- September 27, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
New River-Linking Pact between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh: A Modified Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project
Sub: Geo
Sec: India physical geo
Why in News
A new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is set to be signed between the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to implement a modified version of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). The project aims to interlink the rivers Parvati, Kali Sindh, and Chambal, ensuring better utilization of water resources in the Chambal basin. This agreement follows a consensus reached between both states and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
Key Points of the River-Linking Project
The project focuses on linking the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) with the rivers Parvati, Kali Sindh, and Chambal. A modified version of the project has been proposed to ensure optimal water resource utilization in the Chambal basin.
About the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project:
It aims to harvest surplus water available during rainy season in rivers in Southern Rajasthan such as Chambal and its tributaries, including Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh, and use this water in south-eastern districts of the state, where there is scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation.
ERCP is planned to meet drinking and industrial water needs of the southern and south eastern Rajasthan, for humans and Livestock till the year 2051.
It proposes 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.
Chambal River:
It is one of the most pollution-free rivers of India.
It originates at the Singar Chouri peak in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains (Indore, Madhya Pradesh). From there, it flows in the North direction in Madhya Pradesh for a length of about 346 km and then follows a north-easterly direction for a length of 225 km through Rajasthan.
It enters U.P. and flows for about 32 km before joining the Yamuna River in Etawah District.
It is a rainfed river and its basin is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravallis. The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.
The Hadauti plateau in Rajasthan occurs in the upper catchment of the Chambal River to the southeast of the Mewar Plains.
Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati, etc.
Main Power Projects/ Dam: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage.
The National Chambal Sanctuary is located along river Chambal on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is known for critically endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the endangered Ganges River dolphin.
Parvati River (Madhya Pradesh)
The Parvati River is known for its relatively clean waters.
The river originates in the Vindhya Range, near the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.
Course: It flows for about 192 km through Madhya Pradesh before entering Rajasthan, where it covers a distance of about 170 km before joining the Chambal River.
Rainfed River: The Parvati is primarily fed by rainwater, and its basin is part of the Chambal basin.
Kali Sindh River
The Kali Sindh is another relatively pollution-free river in India.
It originates near the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh.
Course: The river flows northwards for about 405 km, passing through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, eventually merging with the Chambal River in Rajasthan.
Rainfed River: Kali Sindh is a rainfed river, with a basin that drains parts of the Malwa Plateau and southeastern Rajasthan.
Tributaries: Important tributaries include the Niwar and Ahu Rivers.
Main Power Projects/Dams: Kali Sindh Dam in Rajasthan is a significant project.