Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP)

#GS 03 Infrastructure 

For Prelims

Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP)

  • ERCP aims to create a network of water channels covering 23.67 % area of Rajasthan along with 41.13 % population of the state.
  • This will be done through the help of diversion structures, interbasin water transfers, linking channels and construction of pumping main feeder channels.
  • It aims to harvest surplus water available during rainy season in Chambal and its tributaries, including Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh.
  • This water will be utilised in south-eastern districts of Rajasthan, where there is scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation.
  • ERCP will help of the southern and south eastern Rajasthan to meet drinking and industrial water needs for humans and Livestock till the year 2051.
  • Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Dholpur are the 13 districts which will be benefiting from this.

Structure of the plan

The project consists of the construction of two canals:

  • Chambal Canal will originate from the Chambal River.
  • East Rajasthan Canal will originate from the Mahi River.
  • ERCP aims for the interlinking of the Parvati, Kali Sindh and Chambal rivers.

Problems to the project

  • Madhya Pradesh has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the project’s execution.
  • 376 km of Chambal River flows within the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Madhya Pradesh has itself built the Mohanpura dam on the Newaj river which is a tributary of Parvati river, and the Kundalia dam on Kali Sindh river.
  • Rajasthan government has also been demanding the national project status for ERCP which will allow 90% of the funding for the project to be given by the central government.