**Policy Summary: Addressing Water Scarcity in Eastern Rajasthan**
This policy addresses water scarcity in eastern regions of Rajasthan, specifically focusing on Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk districts, and parts of Nagaur. The policy outlines the government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the connection of the Bisalpur Dam with the Banas River and the implementation of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
The government's response indicates that a direct interlinking proposal of the Banas River with the Bisalpur Dam is not currently planned under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) of Interlinking of Rivers or intra-state link proposals. However, the supplementation of the Bisalpur Dam is envisioned under the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), planned as part of the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (Modified PKC) link.
To optimize the utilization of the Chambal River System, a Modified PKC link project has been developed, incorporating components proposed by Madhya Pradesh in the Kuno, Parbati, and Kalisindh sub-basins, along with components of ERCP. This Modified PKC link is a priority project under the NPP.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on January 28, 2024, followed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on December 5, 2024, between the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and the Union Government. This agreement facilitates the planning and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Modified PKC link project, aiming to optimally utilize the waters of the Chambal basin and address irrigation and drinking water needs in both states. Enhancing the storage capacity of Bisalpur Dam by raising it by 0.5 meters is included as a component benefiting Rajasthan under the Modified PKC link project.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Jal Shakti: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for water resources and sanitation.
Rajasthan: A state in India, specifically mentioned in the context of water scarcity and canal projects.
Bisalpur Dam: A dam in Rajasthan, India, that is central to addressing drinking water scarcity in the region.
Banas River: A river in Rajasthan, India, that is considered for interlinking with Bisalpur Dam.
Jaipur: A district in Rajasthan, India facing drinking water scarcity.
Ajmer: A district in Rajasthan, India facing drinking water scarcity.
Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project ERCP: A project aimed at providing water for drinking and irrigation purposes in the eastern regions of Rajasthan.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in India, involved in the Modified Parbati Kalisindh Chambal link project with Rajasthan.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 785
ANSWERED ON 24.07.2025
WATER SCARCITY IN EASTERN REGIONS OF RAJASTHAN
†785. SMT. MANJU SHARMA
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to connect the Bisalpur Dam with the Banas River (Bisalpur Bahani)
through external assistance to address the issue of drinking water scarcity in Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk districts and
certain parts of Nagaur;
(b) if so, the time by which it is likely to be done and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes to implement the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) through external
assistance to provide water for the twin purpose of drinking and irrgiation in the eastern regions of Rajasthan; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the time by which it is likely to be done and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) & (b) The Government of India formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) of Interlinking of Rivers for
transferring water from surplus basins to deficit basins/areas in 1980. 30 link projects have been identified under
NPP. National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the work of these Interlinking of
Rivers Projects of NPP. NWDA has also studied 49 proposals of Intra State link projects as received from 10 State
Governments. No such inter-linking proposal of Banas River with the Bisalpur Dam is envisaged under NPP and
under Intra State link proposals as received by NWDA. However, the supplementation of Bisalpur dam is
envisaged under Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) which has been planned to be part of the Modified
Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link.
(c) & (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 ERCP has been framed. Modified PKC is one of the priority link
project of NPP.
MoU has been signed on 28.01.2024, followed by signing of MoA 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.
As per signed MoA of modified PKC link project, enhancing the storage capacity of Bisalpur Dam by
raising 0.5 metres has been taken under components benefitting Rajasthan.
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