In May 2025, the Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and the Government of Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bhopal (MP) to implement the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project worth Rs 19,244 crore, touted as the world’s largest groundwater recharge initiative.
- The agreement was signed during the 28th MP-Maharashtra Inter-State Control Board meeting, in the presence of MP Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, in Bhopal, MP.
About the Tapti Basin Mega Recharge Project:
i.Objectives: The project aims to tackle water scarcity, ensure sustainable irrigation, and strengthen drinking water supply through groundwater recharge. It will provide permanent irrigation to:
- 1,23,082 hectares in MP (Burhanpur and Khandwa districts covering Burhanpur, Nepanagar, Khaknar & Khalwa tehsils)
- 2,34,706 hectares in Maharashtra (Jalgaon, Akola, Buldhana & Amravati districts)
ii.Estimated Cost: Rs 19,244 crore (based on 2022–23 estimates)
- Central Funding: 90% of the project cost will be provided by the Government of India (GoI)
iii.Water Utilisation: 31.13 Thousand Million Cubic Feet (TMC)
- MP: 11.76 TMC
- Maharashtra: 19.36 TMC
iv.Key Infrastructure:
- Kharia Gutighat Low Diversion Weir (8.31 TMC capacity) on the MP-Maharashtra border.
- Right Bank Canal (Phase I): 221 kilometre (km) (110 km in MP) to irrigate 55,089 hectares.
- Left Bank Canals (Phases I & II): 135.64 km and 123.97 km to irrigate 44,993 hectares (MP) and 80,000 hectares (Maharashtra), respectively
Background:
Shift from Traditional Reservoir to Groundwater Recharge:
i.Initially proposed in the 1990s, the traditional model included a 66 TMC reservoir that would have displaced 14,000 people and impacted forest and tiger reserve areas.
ii.The model was later revised to a groundwater recharge-based approach, promoting sustainable development.
iii.This project marks the third major inter-state river initiative involving MP after:
- Ken-Betwa Link Project (with Uttar Pradesh, UP)
- Parvati–Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project (with Rajasthan)
About Tapti River:
The Tapti River originates from Multai in MP and flows westward for about 724 km, making it the second longest west-flowing river in India after the Narmada River.
- It drains into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea, in Gujarat, and has 14 major tributaries, 10 on the left bank and 4 on the right bank.
About Madhya Pradesh (MP):
Chief Minister (CM) – Mohan Yadav
Governor – Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
Capital – Bhopal
Wildlife Sanctuary –Â Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister (CM) – Devendra Fadnavis
Governor – Chandrapuram Ponnusamy (C.P.) Radhakrishnan
Capital – Mumbai
National Park (NP) – Navegaon NP, Gugamal NP
