Eclogical impacts of linking Parbati, Kalisindh, and Chambal Rivers

On December 20, 2023, the Indian government, along with the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, signed  an agreement to launch the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project. This project aims to improve water supply for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use.

The idea of linking rivers has been discussed for decades, with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee supporting it. In 1991, a preliminary report on the Kalisindh-Chambal link canal was circulated among the states, marking the beginning of this long-awaited project.

The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project is the second-largest initiative under India’s National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers, after the Ken-Betwa project. After years of planning, the PKC Link Project is moving forward to improve water supply for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use. However, the project has significant environmental impacts. 

The affected area has southern tropical dry deciduous vegetation supporting diverse plant life. The destruction of these habitats will not only harm the flora but also displace local wildlife, disrupting the region’s ecological balance.

What is the modified PKC-ERCP link project?

The Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project is an inter-state river linking project that combines two water transfer projects: the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) link and the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

The goal is to improve water management in the region by ensuring optimal use of available water resources from various rivers. The plan involves transferring surplus water from the Parbati, Kalisindh, and Newaj rivers to the Chambal River and distributing it to water-scarce areas in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

 A key aspect of this project is to optimise water usage in the Chambal River basin to meet the growing demand, especially in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, two agriculture-reliant states vulnerable to water shortages.

The MoU includes preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for insights into the project’s technical, economic, and environmental aspects.

The DPR will be finalised after studying the feasibility, water-sharing mechanisms, cost distribution, and environmental impact. The Ministry of Jal Shakti emphasised that the DPR will cover water exchange, cost-sharing between states, and Chambal Basin water resource management.

Why was the MoU needed?

The PKC link project faced delays due to disagreements between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan over water sharing. The MoU now provides a framework for resolving these issues and advancing the project.

Rajasthan proposed the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) in 2019 to optimise water resources in the eastern state. The ERCP aimed to divert surplus monsoon water from the Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej, and Chakan subbasins into the water-deficient Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati subbasins.

This would provide water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan. To utilise these resources efficiently, Rajasthan proposed integrating the ERCP with the PKC link, which was approved by the Special Committee for the Interlinking of Rivers in December 2022.

The MoU signing now sets the stage for the DPR to be prepared and finalised, bringing the project closer to implementation. The proposed canal system will cover around 34.50 square kilometres from Patanpur to Rana Pratap Sagar. This includes 0.40 square kilometres of forest land in the Rajgarh protected forest. Two alternative routes are also considered: one requiring 34.49 square kilometres with no forest land, and another requiring 25.80 square kilometres, also without forest land. To make up for the loss of vegetation, afforestation will be done along the canal.

Key features and benefits

One of the most important aspects of the Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project is its multi-state impact. The project aims to irrigate about 5.6 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

1. The project will provide irrigation to 5.6 lakh hectares of agricultural land, increasing crop yields and ensuring a reliable water supply for farmers in dry regions of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

2. The project will ensure 40 lakh people in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh access to drinking water, crucial for rural and urban populations.

3. By optimising water use from various rivers, the project will improve regional water management, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources.

4. Water availability will support industrial growth in Jaipur and Indore, major industrial hubs in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

5. Integrating the PKC link with the ERCP will mitigate flood risks by managing water flow and ensuring proper storage and distribution of excess water.

Economic and environmental aspects

The estimated cost of the Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project is Rs 72,000 crore, shared between Madhya Pradesh (Rs 35,000 crore), Rajasthan (Rs 37,000 crore), and the Central Government (90% of the total cost). The funding model distributes the financial burden across stakeholders while highlighting the project's national importance.

The preliminary feasibility report (PFR) outlines the construction of three major reservoirs: Patanpur, Mohanpura, and Kundaliya. These reservoirs will cover a total area of 17,308 hectares, including 244 hectares of forest land and 17,064 hectares of agricultural and other land. The forest area is home to major plant species like Teak, Dhokra, Gurjan, Beli, Tendar, Salaran, Babul, Neem, Salar, Mahua, Shisham, Semal, Jamun, Karaya, Kahra, Kulyu, Bel Bahera, and more.

The destruction of these habitats will displace wildlife like Panthers, Wild Pigs, Sambhars, Chhetals, Chinkaras, Banders, Ravin deers, Bares, Monkeys, and Fox. Common birds in the region are Baya, Koyal, Vulture, Parrot, Bulbul, Jungle Crow, House sparrow, Owl, Kite, Green Pigeon, Sandgroves, Peafowl, Quail, and Grey Partridge. Important fish species include Katla, Rohu, Kalbau, Gol, Labeo, Bata, Mirgal, Barhva, Serana, etc. Other aquatic species include crab turtles and Snail. The most poisonous raptiles are the Cobra and Russell viper, crucial for the ecosystem. They could also face displacement, leading to possible human-wildlife conflicts as animals move closer to human settlements.

The canal system, which spans nearly 34.50 square kilometres, will acquire little private land, and the displacement of people will be minimal. The canal is designed to reduce the risk of waterlogging, maintain a good water table, and improve irrigation. This will benefit the region by boosting agricultural production and providing employment during the construction and maintenance phases.

A total of 65 villages will be affected by the project, displacing about 27,000 people. Affected villages include Patanpur (4,255 people), Mohanpura (2,530 people), and Kundaliya (20,270 people). Most residents rely on farming and livestock for income. Around 22.3% belong to scheduled castes. A resettlement plan will be implemented to provide affected families with adequate compensation, housing, and access to essential services like water supply, healthcare, and education.

Timeline and future prospects

The Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project will be completed in stages, with the Detailed Project Report expected in the coming years. The project will be done in two phases. The first phase involves building the link canal, three reservoirs (Patanpur, Mohanpura, and Kundaliya), a barrage at the Ahu River, and other necessary structures. The second phase includes the construction of seven more reservoirs: Chitawad, Sonechiri, Ramwasa, Sewarkheri, Padunia, Bachora, and Sekri Sultanpura. Work on both phases will begin at the same time and is expected to be completed within eight years.

Once completed, the project will have a lasting impact on the water situation in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Modified PKC-ERCP Link Project is a major step forward in India’s efforts to optimise water resources and address water scarcity in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The MoU signed in January 2024 has advanced the project. 

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