Declare ERCP a national project: Vasundhara Raje

Raje requested Union Minister Gadkari to share 60% of its estimated cost of Rs 37k crore

JAIPUR: Chief minister Vasundhara Raje on Tuesday called on Union Minister for Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and requested him to expedite pending irrigation, river projects and release funds.

Rajasthan for a long time has been raising demand to declare Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) a national project so the Centre can share 60 percent of the its cost estimated at Rs 37,000 crores. Raje raised the very demand again before Gadkari.

Raje told him that Centre should assist the project which has been planned to meet water demands of 40 per cent population of state. The project has been envisaged to provide water to two lakh hectares land spread in 13 districts, she said. Gadkari once again assured her to consider the request.

The minister apprised Raje that his ministry has approved Rs14 crores for restorations of 36 water resources project. “The first installment of the fund will be released soon for restoration and repairing of 36 projects,” said Gadkari, quotes a statement released by Raje office.

Meanwhile the CM has floated several proposals demanding financial assistance of Center to support the projects. Raje urged him to approve Rs2000 crores to restore and repair Sirhind and Rajasthan feeder so the civil works could expedited to complete the project by April 2018. Similarly, she asked Center to nod Parwan project giving more financial assistance to it.

The Center has to release its share of Rs328 crores for Narbada and Gang Canal projects. “A request has been made by Raje to release outstanding amount of Rs328 crores as the Central share for the projects Narbada and Gang Canal Project during the meeting.” said the statement.

PROPOSAL APPROVED

Raje has expressed joy over union agriculture ministry’s move to approve additional procurement proposal of moong floated by Rajasthan. The ministry of India has approved Rajasthan govt’s proposed additional 1,24,000MT Moong.