News Brief
World’s Largest Groundwater Recharge Project: MP, Maharashtra Set To Sign Tapti Mega Recharge Agreement
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that all hurdles for the Tapti Mega Recharge Project have been removed, setting the stage for an agreement with Maharashtra on the interstate water initiative.
Yadav’s announcement came after a state Cabinet meeting.
The project is meant to provide water to northern Maharashtra and southern Madhya Pradesh while addressing drinking water shortages in Nagpur and irrigation demands in Chhindwara, according to state government officials cited in an Indian Express report.
According to the officials, a formal signing of the agreement is expected soon, with the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister expected to visit Bhopal for the official proceedings.
According to the Madhya Pradesh government, once signed and implemented, it will be the world’s largest groundwater recharge project.
At Friday’s Cabinet meeting, Yadav instructed officials to fast-track the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge and Kanhan Sub-Basin projects.
The initiative reportedly aims to maximise water utilisation by diverting the Tapti River into three streams to enhance irrigation across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
It is a key component of Madhya Pradesh’s strategy to resolve long-standing interstate water-sharing conflicts.
Following the meeting, Yadav emphasised that the state aims to ensure water availability for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes while fostering cooperative ties with neighbouring regions.
It is expected to irrigate 1,23,082 hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2,34,706 hectares in Maharashtra, benefitting Burhanpur and Khandwa districts.
According to the officials, no villages would be displaced, making a rehabilitation programme unnecessary.
Initially proposed as a 66 TMC reservoir, the project was revised due to concerns over land displacement and environmental impact, particularly on forests and tiger reserves.
The updated design adopts a groundwater recharge model featuring four key water structures.
The Khariya Gutighat Low Diversion Weir, located on the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border, will have a storage capacity of 8.31 TMC.
A 221 km right bank canal, including 110 km in Madhya Pradesh, will provide water for 55,089 hectares.
A 135.64 km left bank canal, with 100.42 km in Madhya Pradesh, will provide water to 44,993 hectares.
Additionally, a 123.97 km left bank canal extension, incorporating a 14 km tunnel, will irrigate 80,000 hectares in Maharashtra.
