Bhajan Lal Sharma: The New Bhagirath of Rajasthan?

When the BJP leadership decided to appoint Bhajan Lal Sharma as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan a year ago, many were surprised. Questions arose about whether a first-time MLA could effectively lead Rajasthan, the largest state in India by area. Despite initial challenges and the loss of 11 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Sharma's decisive and focused leadership has earned him praise. From day one, his approach to tackling Rajasthan’s pressing issues has been relentless, reflecting the wisdom of seasoned leaders.

Since independence, successive governments have made efforts to address Rajasthan's persistent water crisis. The Indira Gandhi Canal Project brought revolutionary changes to the desert regions of western Rajasthan, transforming its landscape. Later, leaders like Mohan Lal Sukhadia and Haridev Joshi initiated projects such as Mahi Bajaj Sagar, Som Kamla Amba, and Jawai Dam to bring water to southern Rajasthan. However, these efforts were insufficient to quench the thirst of eastern Rajasthan, the Shekhawati region, and other parts of the state.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has taken significant steps to resolve this long-standing issue. Under his leadership, the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) was revised to meet the water and irrigation needs of 21 districts. Rivers like Parvati, Kali Sindh, and Chambal were integrated into the project, which received swift approval from the central government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also laid the foundation stone for this ambitious initiative during his recent visit to Jaipur.

In another major move, Sharma held a crucial meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to discuss the Yamuna water-sharing agreement. The decision to form a joint task force comprising officials from Rajasthan and Haryana was made to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). This agreement opens the door to bringing Yamuna water to Rajasthan, offering a potential solution to the water crisis in the Shekhawati region.

Sharma expressed his gratitude to the central minister and Haryana's chief minister for their cooperation. He affirmed that the joint task force would expedite the preparation of the DPR, paving the way for the effective implementation of the Yamuna water-sharing agreement. The agreement was lauded as a historic step toward ensuring water availability in Shekhawati and addressing the region’s long-standing challenges.

For decades, Rajasthan has demanded special state status due to its severe water scarcity and geographical challenges. While this demand remains unfulfilled, Sharma’s efforts are seen as a promising start. Central Minister Patil stated that under initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and interlinking of rivers, Rajasthan and other states will not face water shortages. Haryana’s Chief Minister Saini also supported the move, calling the provision of Haryana's surplus water to Rajasthan a positive development.

With these efforts, Bhajan Lal Sharma seems poised to emerge as Rajasthan’s modern-day Bhagirath. Whether the dreams of the people of eastern Rajasthan and Shekhawati come true remains to be seen, but the foundation for a brighter future has certainly been laid.