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.
- 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:
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.
- 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.
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