The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) has emerged as a beacon of hope for the arid lands of southern Rajasthan, where water scarcity has been a pressing concern for years. This ambitious project aims to harness the excess water available in the rivers, primarily in southern Rajasthan, and channel it for drinking and irrigation purposes in the water-starved regions of south-eastern Rajasthan.
With the ever-increasing demand for water in both rural and urban areas, the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project comes as a much-needed solution to address the water crisis and transform the agricultural landscape of the region. Besides catering to the drinking water needs of several districts in Rajasthan, this mega project holds the potential to provide irrigation water to an additional 2 lakh hectares of land, greatly benefiting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The ERCP’s scope extends beyond just supplying water to drought-prone areas; it also plays a pivotal role in supporting industrial growth. One of its essential features is the supply of water to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), a major infrastructure project that aims to create a global manufacturing and investment destination. The availability of water through the ERCP will facilitate industrial development and attract investments, thereby stimulating economic growth in the region.
The project envisions harvesting water from key rivers like Chambal and its tributaries, such as Kunnu, Parvati, and Kalisindh, among others. By tapping into these water resources, the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project will optimize water utilization and management, ensuring a sustainable and equitable distribution of water across the region.
Why Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot is Insistent on National Project Status for Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project?
Amidst the growing demands for national project status for the ERCP, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been at the forefront of the campaign. Securing national project status is crucial as it brings significant financial benefits. When a project is designated as a national project, the central government provides 90 percent of the funding, alleviating the financial burden on the state government.
The estimated cost of the ERCP stands at a staggering Rs. 40,000 crores, a sum beyond the means of the state government to bear single-handedly. The national project status will be a game-changer, ensuring the project’s seamless implementation and speedy execution, and catapulting the development trajectory of the region.
Which Rivers and Districts will the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project cover?
The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project is set to cover multiple rivers, including Chambal, Kali Sindh, and Parvati, and span across 13 districts, namely Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Dholpur. The project’s wide-ranging scope reflects its comprehensive approach to water resource management and its commitment to benefitting a large population.
Apart from addressing water scarcity and supporting industrial growth, the ERCP also plays a vital role in mitigating flood and drought situations in the area. By creating a robust infrastructure for water storage, management, and distribution, the project will enhance the region’s resilience to extreme weather events, making it more prepared to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) represents a transformative initiative that holds the key to a sustainable and prosperous future for southern Rajasthan. Through efficient water management and utilization, the project will uplift communities, empower farmers, and boost industrial development. With Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s relentless efforts to secure national project status for the ERCP, the region is poised to witness a remarkable turnaround in its water landscape. As the project gathers momentum, it is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing pressing challenges and realizing the dream of a water-secure and prosperous Rajasthan.