Udaipur, February 13, 2025 - Rajasthan will receive 4102.60 million cubic meters (MCM) of water following the commencement of the Ram Jal Setu Link Project (PKC-ERCP) on the ground. This information is as per the documents (MoA and MoU) which were recently uploaded on the website of the State’s Water Resources Department.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed to this effect on December 5 in 2024 between the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (MP) and the Centre. Further, according to the MOA, MP will receive 3120.09 MCM of water.

The project, formerly known as Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP), is a river-linking scheme between Rajasthan and MP to provide water to Rajasthan.

A meet was held in New Delhi yesterday, February 12, to prepare a joint Detailed Project Report (DPR). The meeting was chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with officials from the governments of Rajasthan and MP present. Also present was Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of Rajasthan's Water Resources Department.

The Secretary instructed both Rajasthan and MP to incorporate the necessary amendments and submit the DPR within the next 15 days.

Of the 4102.60 MCM allocated to Rajasthan, 1744 MCM will be for drinking water, 205.75 MCM for industry, 1159.38 MCM for new irrigated areas, 615.43 MCM for water replenishment in existing dams, and 108 MCM for groundwater recharge. The remaining 270 MCM will be used to ensure drinking water availability during poor monsoon seasons and for other works as specified in the DPR. This also includes 522.80 MCM of recycled water.

According to the MoA: “The modified PKC Link Project will be implemented as a National River Linking Project with financial assistance from the Centre. The funding pattern between the Centre and the States will be decided by the PIB and approved by the Cabinet.”

Although the total cost of the project is not mentioned in the MoA or the MoU signed, the MoA says that the final cost will be determined after the Central Water Commission gives technical approval.

The project is expected to provide water to 17 districts in Rajasthan - Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Deeg, Alwar, Khairthal-Tijara, Kotputli-Behror, Jaipur, Ajmer and Beawar.

Source: Media Reports