Daily Current Affairs : 14-January-2025
The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project is a major river-linking initiative in India, aimed at improving water availability for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes across several districts in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. However, this ambitious project also has significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding its potential impact on the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
What is the PKC Link Project?
The PKC Link Project is an inter-state river-linking initiative that combines the PKC link with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Initially conceived in 2017, the project was modified in 2023 to enhance water distribution between the two states. The primary goal is to optimize water resources for a variety of uses, including agricultural irrigation, industrial consumption, and drinking water supply.
Key Features of the PKC Link Project:
- Total Cost: ₹72,000 crore (with 90% funding from the Central Government).
- Water Supply: 4,100 million cubic meters (MCM) of water to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh.
- Rivers Involved: The project connects the Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, and Banas rivers, along with their tributaries.
Rivers Involved in the Project
- Chambal River: Originates from the Singar Chouri Peak in Madhya Pradesh and has tributaries like Banas, Kali Sindh, and Parbati.
- Parbati River: Originates from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and has tributaries such as Kuno, Parwan, and Seep.
- Kali Sindh River: Originates from Dewas District and is fed by tributaries like Newaj and Ahu.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: A National Treasure
The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located in Eastern Rajasthan, at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyas. The reserve is bounded by the Chambal River to the south and the Banas River to the north. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and wild boars. The reserve is also famous for the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flora and Fauna:
- The flora is dominated by Dhok trees, with grasslands and lush foliage near water sources.
- Fauna includes tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and rhesus macaques.
Environmental Concerns
The PKC Link Project is expected to submerge about 37 square kilometers of land within the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. This could lead to the displacement of wildlife and affect the delicate ecosystem of the reserve. Additionally, the construction could alter the natural flow of rivers, further impacting both the flora and fauna of the region.
While the PKC Link Project promises substantial benefits for water distribution and agricultural growth in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, its environmental implications, especially concerning the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, must be carefully managed to preserve this unique wildlife habitat.
Important Points
PKC Link Project Overview:
- An inter-state river-linking project combining the PKC link and Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
- Launched in 2017 and modified in 2023.
- Aims to optimize water resources for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Key Features of the Project:
- Total cost: ₹72,000 crore (90% funded by the Central Government).
- Provides 4,100 MCM of water to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh.
- Involves the Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, and Banas rivers, along with their tributaries.
Rivers Involved:
- Chambal River: Originates in Madhya Pradesh; tributaries include Banas, Kali Sindh, and Parbati.
- Parbati River: Originates from the Vindhya Range; tributaries include Kuno, Parwan, and Seep.
- Kali Sindh River: Originates from Dewas District; tributaries include Newaj, Ahu, and Parwan.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:
- Located at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyas in Eastern Rajasthan.
- Known for its rich wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and wild boars.
- Features the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ranthambore Fort.
Environmental Impact:
- The PKC Link Project could submerge 37 square kilometers of land in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
- Potential risks to the ecosystem and wildlife in the reserve due to changes in water flow and habitat displacement.
Why In News
The flagship river-link irrigation project, designed to provide a lifeline to 23 districts in Rajasthan by improving water availability, also envisions the submergence of 37 sq km in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, raising concerns about potential ecological disruption and wildlife displacement.
MCQs about The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project
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What is the main aim of the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project?
A. To increase industrial production in Rajasthan
B. To optimize water resources for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use
C. To construct new rivers in Rajasthan
D. To create new wildlife reserves in Madhya Pradesh
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Which rivers are involved in the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project?
A. Yamuna, Ganga, and Brahmaputra
B. Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, and Banas rivers
C. Godavari and Krishna rivers
D. Narmada and Tapi rivers
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What is a major environmental concern regarding the PKC Link Project?
A. It may lead to flooding in urban areas
B. It could submerge 37 sq km of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
C. It might increase industrial pollution in Rajasthan
D. It may lead to a decrease in agricultural production
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