Demand for Western Rajasthan Canal Project to Address Severe Water Crisis Echoes
Demand for Western Rajasthan Canal Project to Address Severe Water Crisis Echoes in Lok Sabha and State AssemblyEchoes in Lok Sabha and State Assembly
**New Delhi:** In response to the severe water crisis prevailing in Rajasthan, there is now a rising demand for a Western Rajasthan Canal Project, similar to the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project. This demand has been highlighted in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajasthan State Assembly by MP P.P. Chaudhary and independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati, respectively, bringing attention to the plight of the people in Western Rajasthan.
**Lok Sabha Highlight:**
On Friday, during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Pali MP and former Union Minister P.P. Chaudhary passionately raised this critical issue, urging the central government to implement the Western Rajasthan Canal Project to provide a permanent solution to the water crisis in Western Rajasthan. Addressing Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, MP Chaudhary emphasized the urgent need for this project to cater to the water needs of the region's populace, agriculture, and industries.
MP Chaudhary lauded the government's commendable steps in addressing water scarcity in Eastern Rajasthan through the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). He stressed the importance of a similar initiative, the Western Rajasthan Canal Project (WRCP), to mitigate water shortages in districts like Jodhpur, Pali, Jalore, Barmer, and Jaisalmer. He highlighted that this project would be a revolutionary step following the Rajasthan Canal Project, transforming the desert landscape of Western Rajasthan.
MP Chaudhary noted that despite the Indira Gandhi Canal Project providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes to parts of Western Rajasthan, districts like Pali, Jodhpur, Jalore, Barmer, and Sirohi receive only limited potable water supply, mainly in urban areas, with rural areas still struggling to benefit fully.
**Key Points and Suggestions:**
1. Conduct a feasibility study for a comprehensive Western Rajasthan Canal Project, reflecting the ambitious scope of ERCP.
2. Explore the inclusion of this project under the National Project Plan with necessary financial and technical support.
3. Consider expediting the implementation of this project, given its importance.
MP Chaudhary asserted that with the collaboration of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the water future of Western Rajasthan could be secured, and the agricultural and economic crises could be alleviated. He likened the WRCP to a lifeline for the water-scarce districts of Western Rajasthan, just as ERCP aims to benefit 21 districts in Eastern Rajasthan.
**Support from State Assembly:**
Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati from Barmer also expressed concerns about the delay in expanding the Narmada Canal and Indira Gandhi Project. He supported the demand for a Western Rajasthan Canal Project, drawing parallels with the Eastern Rajasthan initiative.
**Chief Minister's Plea:**
During the visit of the 16th Finance Commission to Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also highlighted the state's adverse conditions and strongly advocated for special financial assistance to address the severe water crisis in the state.
**Challenges and Opportunities:**
Rajasthan, with 10% of India's land area but only 1% of its groundwater and surface water, faces severe water quality issues affecting public health. The cost of services in Western Rajasthan is significantly higher compared to other states. However, the Indira Gandhi Canal Project has already brought transformative sweet water from the Himalayas, rejuvenating vast areas of Western Rajasthan. Additionally, the region has discovered abundant reserves of crude oil, gas, and sweet water, offering a hopeful outlook for the future.
**Conclusion:**
The central government is now faced with the challenge of addressing the unique geographical and environmental conditions of Rajasthan, the largest state in India. The implementation of the Western Rajasthan Canal Project could be a crucial step in mitigating the region's severe water crisis and supporting its socio-economic development.
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