Tapi Basin Mega Project: Irrigation Boost for 3.5 Lakh Hectares Across Two States

13 May 2025, Bhopal: In a significant step towards water resource management and inter-state collaboration, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have joined hands for the ambitious “Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project.” The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed in Bhopal on Saturday by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The project aims to open a new chapter in groundwater recharge and irrigation development for both states.

Aims and Impact of the Project

The Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project is envisioned to enhance groundwater levels and expand irrigation facilities across vast regions of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Once completed, the project will benefit 1,23,082 hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2,34,706 hectares in Maharashtra. In Madhya Pradesh, the districts of Burhanpur and Khandwa—particularly the tehsils of Burhanpur, Nepanagar, Khaknar, and Khalwa—will gain significantly from this initiative.

Describing the scale of the project, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav called it “the world’s largest groundwater recharge project,” and emphasized its vital role for the water-scarce Nimar region. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also underscored its magnitude, referring to it as the “world’s largest water recharge scheme” that promises substantial benefits for lakhs of farmers in both states.

Key Infrastructure Components

The project involves the construction of four major water structures, each strategically designed to facilitate water storage and irrigation:

• Kharia Gutighat Low Diversion Weir: To be built at the Kharia Gutighat dam site across the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh and Amravati district of Maharashtra, this weir will have a water storage capacity of 8.31 TMC.
• Right Bank Canal (Phase I): Spanning 221 kilometers from the right side of the weir, this canal will cover 110 kilometers in Madhya Pradesh and irrigate 55,089 hectares.
• Left Bank Canal (Phase I): Stretching 135.64 kilometers, with 100.42 kilometers in Madhya Pradesh, this canal will support irrigation for 44,993 hectares.
• Left Bank Canal (Phase II): This segment will include a 123.97-kilometer canal flowing through a 14-kilometer tunnel, designed to irrigate 80,000 hectares in Maharashtra.

Inter-State Cooperation and Challenges

The Tapi Basin project is one of several long-pending interstate initiatives between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Both states have now decided to request the Government of India to recognize the project as a National Irrigation Project. If approved, the central government could bear up to 90% of the project’s cost—similar to the Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal projects.

Despite its potential, experts caution that inter-state projects often face hurdles such as coordination issues, environmental impacts, and cost management. Although the Bajada zone of the Tapi Basin has immense potential for groundwater recharge, the project’s ultimate success will depend on the pace and quality of its execution.

Additional Deliberations and Future Steps

The 28th meeting of the “Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra Inter-State Control Board” was also held in Bhopal, where discussions extended beyond the Tapi project. Other proposals, including the Dangurli Barrage on the Ban Ganga River, a weir on the Bagh River, and the Lavaghoghari-Totladoh water exchange plan, received in-principle approval from both states. The next round of talks is scheduled for October 2025 in Maharashtra, with a focus on accelerating these initiatives.

A Forward-Looking Initiative

The Tapi Basin Mega Recharge Project is poised not just to conserve water resources but also to improve the livelihoods of farmers across both states. However, its success will depend on timely implementation and comprehensive assessment of its environmental impact. If executed effectively, this landmark project could serve as a model for sustainable and cooperative water management in India.

Also Read: CNH’s New Strategic Business Plan Set To Enhance Product Leadership And Expand Margins

📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand!
Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign?  Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!

📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights. Click here to explore!