An agreement between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is set to be formalized for the implementation of the world’s first ground recharge project in the Tapti Basin. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed in Bhopal, where Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are expected to be present.
The announcement was made by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav following a high-level meeting at the Mantralaya in Madhya Pradesh. The discussion, which centered on the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge and Kanhan Sub Basin Projects, was attended by Madhya Pradesh’s Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat along with senior officials from Maharashtra’s water resources department. The initiative has been taken to enhance irrigation, improve water distribution, and ensure sustainable water management between the two states.
It was conveyed that efforts would be made to secure the status of a National Water Project for the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge initiative. The Madhya Pradesh government assured that the state’s interests would be safeguarded in the Kanhan (Jamghat) multipurpose project. The importance of these projects in strengthening water security and supporting agricultural activities was emphasized during the meeting. Under the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project, irrigation facilities are expected to be extended to over 1.23 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2.34 lakh hectares in Maharashtra. In Madhya Pradesh, the direct beneficiaries of this project will include the farmers from Burhanpur, Nepanagar, Khaknar, and Khalwa tehsils. A considerable improvement in water availability for agricultural activities is anticipated, contributing to better crop yields and sustainable farming practices.
In addition to irrigation, the Kanhan Sub Basin Project has been planned to provide multiple benefits. It has been designed to boost irrigation in Chhindwara district and strengthen the drinking water supply to Nagpur city in Maharashtra. With this project, water accessibility in urban and rural areas is expected to improve, addressing critical water scarcity issues. The water-sharing framework under the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project has been structured to ensure equitable distribution. A total of 31.13 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water will be utilized, with 11.76 TMC allocated to Madhya Pradesh and 19.36 TMC to Maharashtra. The agreement is seen as a crucial step in resolving long-standing disputes over water distribution between the two states.
It was further stated that 3,362 hectares of land in Madhya Pradesh would be brought under cultivation through this project. Authorities assured that no displacement of local communities would be required, as the project does not involve any major rehabilitation or resettlement efforts. A sustainable approach to resource management has been emphasized to minimize environmental and social impact. The MoU signing marks the initial stage of discussions aimed at addressing water-sharing concerns and promoting efficient water management strategies. With the implementation of these projects, a long-term resolution to inter-state water distribution challenges is expected, benefiting both agriculture and urban water supply.
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