Context:
- The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) is designed to link rivers in Rajasthan for better water distribution.
- It aims to supply water to 23 districts for irrigation, drinking, and industrial needs.
- A key component, the Doongri Dam, will be built on the Banas River, near Sawai Madhopur (30 km from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve), which may have significant environmental consequences.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment)
Submergence and Impact on Ranthambhore:
- 37 sq km of land within Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is expected to submerge due to the dam.
- Loss of habitat: Submergence may fragment the reserve, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
- Wildlife Connectivity: Disruption of the north-south dispersal routes essential for species, particularly tigers (current population: 57), risking genetic isolation.
- Long-term effects: Fragmentation could reduce the biological carrying capacity and hinder natural breeding patterns of tigers.
Ecological and Conservation Concerns:
- Habitat Destruction: Submergence will reduce the core area of the reserve, impacting prey species and flora.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Animals may move into human settlements, leading to poaching, encroachments, and increased conflicts.
- Water Availability: Though the reservoir could provide some water relief, improper management could harm the ecological integrity of the reserve.
Criticism of Project Design:
- Compensatory Land Issues: Conservationists argue that the compensatory land should match the ecological quality of the land lost, not just in quantity.
- Experts’ View: Dr. Rajesh Gopal, former Project Tiger chief, stresses the need for compensatory land to be strategically selected, avoiding high-value forest areas like Ranthambhore.
- Double/Triple Compensation: Some experts suggest allocating double or triple the forest area to mitigate the environmental damage.
Broader Environmental and Development Issues:
- Development vs. Conservation: The river-linking projects across India often clash with conservation goals. Similar projects (e.g., Ken-Betwa, North Koel) have already affected tiger habitats.
- International Best Practices: Globally, protected areas with flagship species should be no-go zones for large infrastructure projects, with a focus on environmentally-sustainable planning.
- Sustainability Debate: While proponents argue these projects address water scarcity and food security, environmentalists warn of the loss of irreplaceable ecosystems.
Government’s Position:
- Rajasthan Government: The Chief Wildlife Warden, Arijit Banerjee, stated that the final project details will be evaluated for ecological impacts, but critics caution this could delay critical action.
- Central Government: The Central Water Commission is assessing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to ensure adherence to environmental standards.
- Compensatory Measures: The government has committed to legal procedures for environmental clearances and appropriate compensatory afforestation.
International and Expert Perspectives:
- Conservationists’ Critique: Experts, such as Dharmendra Khandal from TigerWatch, argue that compensatory afforestation often fails to replicate the ecological value of original habitats and advocates for prioritizing conservation.
- International Examples: Countries worldwide minimize ecological disruption through alternative measures, such as underground reservoirs or rerouting rivers to protect critical habitats.
Future of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve:
- Legacy: Ranthambhore’s role as a vital tiger sanctuary since 1974 makes it a unique and irreplaceable habitat in India’s conservation efforts.
- Connectivity Restoration: If submergence is unavoidable, experts recommend establishing wildlife corridors and compensating with high-quality forest areas to maintain ecosystem health.
Conclusion:
- The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project balances development and conservation goals, but ecological costs to iconic reserves like Ranthambhore need careful consideration.
- Going forward, India must prioritize protected areas as no-go zones for large infrastructure projects and ensure that development happens in ways that minimize environmental damage.
