Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Linking Project

On 26 sep, State governments of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Rajasthan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the ₹72,000 crore Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal River linking project. This initiative aims to address the persistent water crisis in both states.

1. Signing Ceremony: Conducted in Bhopal, attended by Rajasthan CM and MP CM.
2. Primary Goal: To link the Parbati, Kalisindh, and Chambal rivers to enhance water availability.

Key Objectives and Benefits:

1. Water Supply: The project aims to provide drinking and industrial water to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan and parts of the Chambal and Malwa regions of MP.
2. Irrigation Enhancement: The initiative is expected to irrigate approximately:

1. 1. 2.8 lakh hectares in Rajasthan
   2. 3.37 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh

3. Optimizing Water Resources: The project focuses on utilizing the water resources of the Chambal basin effectively, reducing wastage and improving economic efficiency.

About Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC):

1. River-linking initiative to divert surplus water from Parbati, Newaj, and Kalisindh rivers to the Chambal River.
2. Part of the National Perspective Plan (NPP, 1980) by the Central Water Commission and Ministry of Irrigation.
3. Objectives: Provide domestic water, optimize resources in Chambal basin, benefit Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP):

1. Proposed in 2019 to optimize water resources in Rajasthan.
2. Facilitates intra-basin water transfer within Chambal basin.
3. Aims to divert surplus monsoon water to water-deficient areas, benefiting 13 districts (e.g., Alwar, Jaipur).
4. Expected to create a command area of 2 lakh hectares and provide irrigation to 4.31 lakh hectares.

Benefits of ERCP:

1. Improve groundwater levels in rural Rajasthan, enhancing socio-economic conditions.
2. Supports the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor by ensuring sustainable water sources for industrial growth.

Modified PKC-ERCP Project: Integrates PKC link with ERCP, addressing water sharing, cost-benefit distribution, and state cooperation.

Need for Project: Rajasthan has only 1.16% of India’s surface water and 1.72% of groundwater resources despite being the largest state (342.52 lakh hectares).

National Perspective Plan for Interlinking Rivers:

1. Formulated in 1980 to transfer water from surplus to deficit basins in India.
2. Involves artificial channels connecting rivers.
3. Components: Himalayan and Peninsular Rivers Development.
4. Key Projects:

1. 1. Peninsular: Mahanadi-Godavari, Godavari-Krishna, Ken-Betwa (first to begin).
   2. Himalayan: Kosi-Ghagra, Ganga-Damodar-Subernarekha.

Significance: Flood Management, Addressing Water Shortages, Irrigation Improvement, Infrastructure Development, Sustainable Water Use.

Concerns:

1. Biodiversity Loss (e.g., Ken-Betwa project affecting Panna Tiger Reserve).
2. Community Displacement and social impacts.
3. High costs, technical challenges, and potential interstate disputes.

National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA):

1. Proposed body to replace NWDA.
2. Responsible for planning, financing, and implementing river interlinking projects.
3. Will handle environmental and clearance processes.

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