Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project: MP, Maharashtra sign MoU
Why in the news
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra signed an MoU for the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project, described as the world’s largest groundwater recharge scheme. The pact was concluded at a meeting of the Inter-State Control Board held in Bhopal.
Key facts
- Cost: ₹19,244 crore, with the Centre bearing about 90% of the total.
- Water use: 31.13 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) in all.
- Districts: Burhanpur and Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh; Akola, Amravati and Buldhana in Maharashtra.
- Benefit: around 5.78 lakh acres.
- Land need: 3,362 hectares in Madhya Pradesh, with no displacement or rehabilitation required.
- Works: development of three Tapti streams rising near Multai, a diversion weir on the state border, and canals on both banks in both states.
| State | Water share (TMC) |
|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 11.76 |
| Maharashtra | 19.36 |
| Total | 31.13 |
About the Tapti river
The Tapti is described as the second-longest west-flowing river of peninsular India after the Narmada. It flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat before reaching the Arabian Sea. The project aims at drinking water for north-eastern Maharashtra and irrigation support for southern and south-eastern Madhya Pradesh.
Exam angle
- Remember the two states, the Bhopal venue and the 90% central share.
- Note the TMC split, with Maharashtra holding the larger share.
- Tapti and Narmada are the two major west-flowing rivers; expect river-linked and inter-state cooperation questions.