“Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project” Will Set a New Global Benchmark in Groundwater Storage: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the “Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project” is the world’s largest groundwater recharge project. This unique initiative will establish a new chapter in global groundwater replenishment. It will significantly raise the groundwater level, especially in the Nimar region, making it a lifeline for the area. The project will facilitate irrigation over approximately 1.23 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2.37 lakh hectares in Maharashtra. It is a matter of great fortune that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed today with the Government of Maharashtra. This marks a forward movement on a mega recharge plan stalled for decades. Previously, the long-pending Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) projects had also received approvals.

Following the MoU, both state governments will jointly approach the Government of India to request approval for the Tapi Mega Recharge Project as a national interstate irrigation project.

At an event held at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Center on Saturday, Chief Ministers Dr. Mohan Yadav and Shri. Devendra Fadnavis signed the MoU for the “Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project.” Prior to this, the 28 th meeting of the “Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra Interstate Coordination Board” was held at Vallabh Bhavan Secretariat, where discussions and decisions were made regarding this and other irrigation projects between the two states.

Present at the event were Water Resources Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Tulsiram Silawat, Water Resources Minister of Maharashtra Shri. Girish Mahajan, Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Kunwar Vijay Shah, MP Shri. V.D. Sharma, former minister Smt. Archana Chitnis, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Rajora (Chief Minister’s Office and Water Resources Department), along with senior officials from both state governments.

Dr. Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh is the cradle of rivers, with over 247 rivers flowing through the state. Its water resources are vast. For almost 25 years, several interstate projects could not progress due to lack of consensus between states. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, these projects are now gaining momentum. After projects like the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal in coordination with Rajasthan and Ken-Betwa link project with Uttar Pradesh, this new collaboration with Maharashtra for the Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project will be a milestone for national development.

Dr. Yadav said that, like the PKC and Ken-Betwa link projects, they will now approach Prime Minister Shri Modi to declare this project a national initiative. He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister will support the request, ensuring 90% of the funding will be provided by the Central Government. Dr. Yadav also expressed gratitude to Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri.Fadnavis for his presence and cooperation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri.Devendra Fadnavis said that for decades, several interstate river projects in India remained stalled due to lack of mutual agreement. With the coming of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, these projects are now being realized. Due to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s proactive efforts, the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra Interstate Coordination Board has met after 25 years, resulting in consensus on the Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project and other irrigation plans. This is extremely beneficial for both states, and Dr. Yadav deserves congratulations for his positive initiative. The governments of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will work together in several sectors.

Shri. Fadnavis remarked that the Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project is the world’s largest water recharge scheme and a marvel in itself. A “Bajada Zone” has formed along the Tapi River Valley near the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border, running parallel to the Tapi River and possessing exceptional water recharge capacity. The project will recharge vast areas in both states, benefiting millions of farmers. To further expedite work, the next interstate board meeting will be held in Maharashtra in October.

During the meeting held at Vallabh Bhavan, an agreement was reached to sign the MoU for the “Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project.” Discussions also took place on constructing the Dangurli Barrage on the Banganga River, a weir on the Bagh River, and the Lavaghoghari-Totladoh Water Exchange Plan, with both states reaching a preliminary consensus on these as well.

Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project

The Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project is a joint initiative of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Under this scheme, irrigation is proposed for 1,23,082 hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2,34,706 hectares in Maharashtra. The project aims to expand groundwater storage, benefiting the tehsils of Burhanpur, Nepanagar, Khaknar, and Khalwa in Burhanpur and Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Proposed Structures in the Project:

• Low Diversion Weir at Khariya Gutighat Dam Site: Proposed on the border between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, located in Khalwa Tehsil (Madhya Pradesh) and Amaravati Tehsil (Maharashtra). It will have a water storage capacity of 8.31 TMC.
• Right Bank Canal – Phase I: A 221 km long canal from the right bank of the Khariya Gutighat Weir, of which 110 km will be in Madhya Pradesh. This will provide irrigation over 55,089 hectares in Madhya Pradesh.
• Left Bank Canal – Phase I: A 135.64 km long canal from the left bank of the weir, of which 100.42 km will lie in Madhya Pradesh. It will irrigate 44,993 hectares in the state.
• Left Bank Canal – Phase II: Beginning from RD 90.89 km of Phase I, this canal will flow through a 14 km tunnel and stretch to 123.97 km in total, serving irrigation in 80,000 hectares in Maharashtra alone.