The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) has picked up pace following the approval from Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, for the River Linking Project. Officials from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have commenced planning for the project, with expectations of a joint meeting in the first week of January. Subsequently, a meeting of the Chief Ministers of both states is scheduled in Delhi during the second week, with Union Minister Shekhawat also in attendance. The discussions will primarily focus on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Central Government and the two state governments.
Amidst these developments, there is a growing demand to preserve the detailed project report (DPR) prepared in 2017 for the ERCP. As per the report, Rajasthan is slated to receive 3,510 million cubic meters of water, leading to the creation of a new irrigated area spanning 202,485 hectares. Additionally, irrigation will become feasible on 80,878 hectares of land. The integration of the Parvati, Kalisindh, and Chambal Link Project by the Center is expected to result in Rajasthan receiving 1,775 million cubic meters of water. The Ministry of Jal Shakti indicates an allocation of 2,464 million cubic meters, incorporating an additional 689 million cubic meters. In light of these considerations, there is a call for non-interference from the DPR in the project’s execution, as emphasized by farm leader Ram Pal Jat
