The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is an ambitious project that aims to address the water shortage in southeastern Rajasthan, India. This project will be implemented by harvesting the surplus water collected during the monsoon season in the southern Rajasthan rivers like Chambal and its tributaries and transferring it to the southeastern districts. The objective of the project is to create a network of water channels to provide surplus water to the dry regions of the state.
Project Details
The ERCP will be implemented in three phases, and the first phase will cover 10,000 hectares of land in the districts of Karauli and Dholpur. The second phase will cover 1,00,000 hectares in the districts of Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, and Jaipur, and the third phase will cover 1,10,000 hectares in the districts of Kota, Bundi, and Baran. The project includes the construction of canals, dams, and reservoirs to collect and store water from the Chambal River and its tributaries. The government will also construct pumping stations to transfer the water to dry regions. The project will benefit 13 districts of southeastern Rajasthan, including Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, and Jaipur.
Budget Allocation The government of Rajasthan has allocated Rs 13,000 crore to implement the ERCP during the recent state budget. This project is expected to be completed by 2025. The government has also announced the creation of a special fund of Rs 1,000 crore to ensure that the project is completed within the specified timeline.
Impact of the Project
The ERCP is expected to have a significant impact on the economy of southeastern Rajasthan. The project will lead to the development of new irrigation systems, which will increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers. The project will also provide a reliable source of water for drinking and other domestic purposes. The project is expected to benefit more than 1 crore people in the 13 districts of southeastern Rajasthan. The project will also lead to the development of new infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and canals, which will improve connectivity in the region. This, in turn, will boost economic activity and promote tourism in the state.
Challenges
One of the major challenges of the ERCP is the resettlement and rehabilitation of people who will be displaced due to the construction of the canals and other infrastructure. The government has assured that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that the displaced people are adequately compensated and rehabilitated. Another challenge is the environmental impact of the project. The government has assured that it will take all necessary measures to minimize the impact on the environment and wildlife in the region. The government has also said that the project will be implemented in close consultation with environmental experts and organizations.
