PKC River Link Project

Source: IE

Context: The flagship river-link irrigation project, which will provide a lifeline to 23 districts in Rajasthan, envisages the submergence of 37 sq km in the Ranthambhore tiger reserve.

About Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project:

• What it is: An inter-state river-linking project combining the PKC link and Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

• Launched in: Conceived in 2017 and modified in 2023.

• Aim: To optimize water resources for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use, benefiting people in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

• Features: Total cost: ₹72,000 crore (90% by the Central Government). Provides 4,100 MCM water to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh.

• Total cost: ₹72,000 crore (90% by the Central Government).

• Provides 4,100 MCM water to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh.

• Rivers involved: Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas, and their tributaries. Chambal River: Origin: Singar Chouri Peak, Vindhya Mountains, Madhya Pradesh. Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Sipra, and Mej Rivers. Parbati River: Origin: Vindhya Range, Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh. Tributaries: Kuno, Parwan, and Seep Rivers. Kali Sindh River: Origin: Bagli, Dewas District, Madhya Pradesh. Tributaries: Newaj, Ahu, and Parwan Rivers.

• Chambal River: Origin: Singar Chouri Peak, Vindhya Mountains, Madhya Pradesh. Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Sipra, and Mej Rivers.

• Origin: Singar Chouri Peak, Vindhya Mountains, Madhya Pradesh.

• Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Parbati, Sipra, and Mej Rivers.

• Parbati River: Origin: Vindhya Range, Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh. Tributaries: Kuno, Parwan, and Seep Rivers.

• Origin: Vindhya Range, Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh.

• Tributaries: Kuno, Parwan, and Seep Rivers.

• Kali Sindh River: Origin: Bagli, Dewas District, Madhya Pradesh. Tributaries: Newaj, Ahu, and Parwan Rivers.

• Origin: Bagli, Dewas District, Madhya Pradesh.

• Tributaries: Newaj, Ahu, and Parwan Rivers.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Situated at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyas in Eastern Rajasthan.

• Features: Bounded by the Chambal River in the south and the Banas River in the north. Includes the iconic Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Dominated by tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests.

• Bounded by the Chambal River in the south and the Banas River in the north.

• Includes the iconic Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Dominated by tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests.

• Flora: Abundance of Dhok trees interspersed with grasslands and lush foliage near water sources.

• Fauna: Hosts tigers, leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and rhesus macaques.

• Uniqueness: Known for its ‘Great Boundary Fault,’ a meeting point of the Vindhyas and Aravalli’s.

Insta links:

• National-river-interlinking-project