Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP)

The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is a major effort between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to improve water management for drinking and farming. Recent talks led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Water Power Minister CR Paatil show that the project is moving forward, with key issues being addressed, and an agreement is expected soon.

Project Overview

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) first announced the ERCP in 2017-18. Its main goal is to provide drinking water and irrigation to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan and the Malwa and Chambal regions in Madhya Pradesh. This project is expected to help local communities and increase farming productivity.

Goals and Scope

The ERCP is set to:

• Provide water for drinking and industrial use to 13 districts in Rajasthan and nearby areas in Madhya Pradesh.
• Irrigate around 5.6 lakh hectares of land in both states.
• Add water to nearby tanks along the way.

Project Components

A key part of the project is the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) ERCP Link, which is part of the Government of India’s national river-linking initiative. The project involves:

• Creating a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to outline its goals and needs.
• Coordinating between the states to create an agreement on water sharing, cost management, and project execution.

Future Developments

The DPR is still being prepared, and once it’s ready, it will help form the agreement between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Government. This agreement will cover:

• The project’s work scope.
• Water sharing details.
• Financial responsibilities and expected benefits.
• Plans for carrying out and managing the project in the Chambal region.

This collaboration aims to improve water access and promote sustainable development in the area.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: States Current Affairs