The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) is a major river-link irrigation initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity in Rajasthan. This ambitious project is part of the broader Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) program, which aims to channel surplus water from the Chambal river basin to 23 districts in Rajasthan. The project is expected to benefit approximately 3.45 crore people, improving access to water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use.
Submergence Impact on Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
One of the significant concerns raised by the PKC-ERCP is its impact on the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, a key conservation area for India’s tigers. The construction of a dam on the Banas River will submerge 37.03 sq km of land within the reserve, cutting the reserve into two sections. This submergence could disrupt the north-south animal dispersal route, potentially affecting wildlife movement and habitat connectivity.
Key Project Details:
- Dam Location: Near Doongri village, approximately 30 km from Sawai Madhopur.
- Dam Specifications: 39 meters high, 1.6 km long.
- Total Submergence Area in Rajasthan: 408.86 sq km.
- Submergence in Ranthambhore: 37.03 sq km, which includes parts of Ranthambhore National Park (392 sq km) and Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary (674 sq km).
Environmental Concerns and Conservationist Views
Conservationists have raised alarms about the adverse effects the project could have on the tiger reserve’s habitat connectivity and biological carrying capacity. Calls have been made to avoid submerging high-value forests, which could lead to irreversible damage to important wildlife habitats.
- Dr. Rajesh Gopal, former Chief of Project Tiger, emphasized the need to avoid such areas when designing dams.
- Dharmendra Khandal from TigerWatch, an NGO, highlighted the importance of considering the unique value of Ranthambhore before resorting to compensatory measures.
Government Response and Future Plans
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), which oversees the ILR initiative, is committed to minimizing the impact on the tiger reserve. According to Baleshwar Thakur, Director General of NWDA, the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) will undergo thorough evaluation by multiple Central agencies. If submergence is unavoidable, measures like compensatory forest land integration will be considered, as seen in other projects like the Ken-Betwa river link.
Related Projects and Regional Concerns
Ranthambhore is not the only tiger reserve affected by such projects. Other reserves facing similar challenges include:
- Palamu Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand (North Koel Reservoir Project).
- Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh (Ken-Betwa River Link).
These projects highlight the growing concern over the balance between infrastructure development and wildlife conservation.
The Role of Rajasthan Government and Future Developments
The Rajasthan government has been proactive in planning the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) since 2017. However, due to disagreements with Madhya Pradesh over water extraction, the project was later modified to include the PKC Link project. The revised DPR for the Rajasthan segment of the project is expected to be submitted by mid-January.
Phase One of PKC-ERCP
The first phase of the PKC-ERCP involves the construction of the Doongri Dam, along with five barrages on various rivers, and a water conductor system. The deadline for this phase is 2028.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main purpose of the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP)?
- A) To increase tourism in Rajasthan
- B) To channel surplus water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use
- C) To protect wildlife habitats
- D) To construct new tiger reserves
- How much land in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve will be submerged due to the proposed dam?
- A) 10.07 sq km
- B) 37.03 sq km
- C) 408.86 sq km
- D) 227 sq km
- What is the height of the proposed dam across the Banas River?
- A) 39 meters
- B) 27 meters
- C) 50 meters
- D) 1.6 meters
- Which tiger reserve is also facing land loss due to the North Koel Reservoir Project?
- A) Panna Tiger Reserve
- B) Palamu Tiger Reserve
- C) Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
- D) Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
- What is the deadline for the first phase of the PKC-ERCP project?
- A) 2025
- B) 2028
- C) 2030
- D) 2035