Executive Summary:
This document is the official response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3011 regarding the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). It details the project's current status, collaboration between the Union Government, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, steps to expedite the project, and alignment with water conservation goals. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed on 05.12.2024 to advance the modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) link project.
Key Points / Main Content:
Modified PKC Link Project:
* A modified PKC link project was framed based on deliberations with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, incorporating components proposed by both states.
* An MoA was signed on 05.12.2024 between Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Government for planning and preparing the DPR of the Modified PKC link project.
Irrigation Benefits in Rajasthan:
* The project will provide 4,03,652 hectare of annual irrigation in Rajasthan.
* This includes stabilizing 1.52 lakh hectare of existing command area and developing 2.52 lakh hectares of new command area (including 0.29 lakh hectare through regenerated water).
* 24,342 hectare in Jhalawar and 16,850 hectare in Baran district will benefit.
Water Supply:
* The project envisages drinking water supply of 1744.16 MCM and industrial water supply of 205.75 MCM.
Project Status:
* The Detailed Project Report of Modified PKC link, prepared by Ms WAPCOS, has been endorsed and submitted by the Government of Rajasthan to the Central Water Commission.
* The Parwan Multipurpose Project, benefitting 2.01 lakh hectare culturable command area in Kota, Baran and Jhalawar districts, has been included under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme PMKSYAIBP in March, 2022.
Impact Analysis:
Government of Rajasthan:
* Impact: Benefits from increased irrigation potential, drinking water supply, and industrial water supply. Required to endorse and submit the Detailed Project Report of Modified PKC link to the Central Water Commission.
* Action Required: Continue collaboration for the modified PKC link project and monitor the project.
Government of Madhya Pradesh:
* Impact: Benefits from the optimal utilization of Chambal River System waters, irrigation, and drinking water supply.
* Action Required: Continue collaboration for the modified PKC link project.
Local Farmers (Jhalawar, Baran, Kota Districts):
* Impact: Improved irrigation facilities, increased agricultural productivity, and enhanced livelihoods.
* Action Required: Utilize the new and improved irrigation facilities to maximize agricultural output.
Central Water Commission:
* Impact: Receives and reviews the Detailed Project Report of Modified PKC link submitted by the Government of Rajasthan.
* Action Required: Review and process the Detailed Project Report of Modified PKC link.
Key Entities Referenced
Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project: A crucial irrigation project in Rajasthan aimed at addressing water scarcity and improving agricultural productivity.
Jal Shakti: The Union Government ministry responsible for water resources and river development.
Rajasthan: A state in India that is a primary beneficiary of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India that is collaborating with Rajasthan on the Parbati Kalisindh Chambal Modified PKC link.
Chambal River System: A river system whose water resources are being optimized through the Parbati Kalisindh Chambal Modified PKC link.
Parbati Kalisindh Chambal Modified PKC link: A modified river interlinking project involving the Parbati, Kalisindh, and Chambal rivers to enhance water utilization in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Jhalawar district, Rajasthan: A district in Rajasthan that is facing a severe water crisis and is a focus area of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project.
Baran district, Rajasthan: A district in Rajasthan that is facing a severe water crisis and is a focus area of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3011
ANSWERED ON 07.08.2025
EASTERN RAJASTHAN CANAL PROJECT
3011. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) the current status of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) and the manner in which the project
is progressing in terms of its scope with particular focus on the districts of Jhalawar and Baran which are
facing a severe water crisis;
(b) whether the Union Government is working with the State Governments of Rajasthan and Madhya
Pradesh to promote development to the regions such as Jhalawar-Baran, especially in terms of irrigation
facilities, agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of local farmers and if so, the details
thereof;
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to expedite the project and the timeline fixed for
commencement of work keeping in view the significant delays in the implementation of this crucial
project; and
(d) the manner in which the Ministry is planning to align the ERCP with the broader goals of water
conservation and irrigation development in Rajasthan?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) to (d) With a view to optimize the utilization of water of the Chambal River System and based on
deliberations with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh States, a proposal of modified Parbati-Kalisindh-
Chambal (Modified PKC) link, incorporating the components, as proposed by Government of Madhya
Pradesh in Kuno, Parbati and Kalisindh sub-basins along with components of Eastern Rajasthan Canal
Project (ERCP) has been framed.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed on 05.12.2024 amongst the States of
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the Union Government wherein both the States Madhya Pradesh and
Rajasthan with the Union Government entered into Agreement for the planning and preparation of the
DPR of the Modified PKC link project in the larger interest of utilising the waters of Chambal basin
optimally and fulfil the irrigation and drinking water needs in both the States.
1As per the MoA, 4,03,652 hectare of annual irrigation shall be available in Rajasthan from the project,
which includes stabilization of 1.52 lakh hectare of existing command area and development of 2.52
hectares (including 0.29 lakh hectare through regenerated water) of new command area. 24,342 hectare
area of Jhalawar and 16,850 hectare area of Baran district is proposed to be benefitted by the project.
Besides irrigation, drinking water supply of 1744.16 MCM and industrial water supply of 205.75 MCM
has also been envisaged in the MoA.
The Detailed Project Report of Modified PKC link, prepared by M/s WAPCOS, has been endorsed
and submitted by Government of Rajasthan to Central Water Commission.
Further, Parwan Multipurpose Project, benefitting 2.01 lakh hectare culturable command area in
Kota, Baran and Jhalawar districts has been included under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna-
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) in March, 2022.
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