Tripartite MoU Signed for East Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP)

The much-anticipated East Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is set to become a reality following the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi. The MoU was signed for the preparation of a joint Detailed Project Report (DPR) between the Central Government, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh governments.

**Key Highlights:**

1. **Participants:** The MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Secretary of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Additional Chief Secretary of Water Resources Department of Rajasthan Shri Abhay Kumar, and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Rajesh Kumar Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department, signed the MoU.

2. **ERCP Realization:** The ERCP is considered an ambitious project for Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, aiming to provide irrigation water and drinking water in multiple districts. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's emphasis on the project and the collaborative efforts of the two state governments led to the signing of the MoU.

3. **Modified Project:** The ERCP is an evolved version of the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project. The modified project is expected to contribute to the all-round development of both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

4. **Development Impact:** The ERCP is projected to bring about comprehensive development in the eastern regions of Rajasthan, benefiting districts such as Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Dausa, Alwar, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Tonk.

5. **Water Availability:** The project aims to provide drinking water in 13 districts, along with ensuring water availability for irrigation in a vast area covering 2,80,000 hectares. Approximately 25 lakh farmer families are expected to benefit from irrigation water, and around 40 percent of the state's population will have access to drinking water.

6. **Economic Impact:** The ERCP is anticipated to boost agricultural production, increase income for farmers, create employment opportunities, and address industrial water needs in the covered areas.

7. **Previous Setbacks:** The Chief Minister highlighted that the ERCP and other projects faced neglect from the previous state government, causing delays and depriving the people of the state of their benefits. He emphasized that the new project will address these setbacks and lead to positive outcomes for the state.

The ERCP is poised to play a crucial role in the economic and infrastructural development of both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, marking a historic milestone in the collaboration between the Central Government and the two states.