Jaipur: Rajasthan government was pursuing
the inter-state water issue with the Centre and Punjab and
Madhya Pradesh to mitigate the needs of farmers, Chief
Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday.
"In a letter yesterday I have urged Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh to intervene in the matter and get our share of
water from Ranjeet Sagar Dam (in Punjab) to mitigate
agricultural and potable water needs," Gehlot told reporters
in his Assembly chamber.
"PM is urged to direct the central water resource and
energy departments to pursue the matter with Madhya Pradesh,"
he said.
Gehlot said Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has
sanctioned about 72,248 cusec of water from the Ranjeet Sagar
Dam to Rajasthan and since its control was in the hands of
Punjab government, it was not released in the state`s favour.
The state was requesting the Punjab government if it
could not do so, then water from Pong and Bhakhra dams be
released, he added.
Gehlot said the Madhya Pradesh government had refused to
provide additional water through the Chambal river to the
state, and if BJP MLAs could convince the party, the problem
could be solved.
Rajasthan also asked Madhya Pradesh to release its share
of water from Gandhi Sagar Dam for irrigation purpose.
PTI
