Punjab has no water to spare for Rajasthan: Amarinder

Samrala, Mar 22 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today categorically stated that his state had no extra water to release to Rajasthan.

Punjab required canal waters for the last irrigation of the wheat crop, he told mediapersons here.

Capt Singh informed that Punjab had aleady released the fixed quota of water, which was due for the quarter to Rajasthan till March 23. The next instalment would be due after May 25, which would be released as per routine, he added.

Responding to a question regarding the raising of the issue in Parliament by the Rajasthan MPs for release of extra canal water, the chief minister said that two years back, when Punjab was having extra water, additional water was released to Rajasthan for irrigation purposes. He said that now the state itself was in dire need of water for irrigation of the wheat crop, sowing of cotton and for kinnow orchards.

The chief minister said that there was no use making unnecessary hue and cry in Parliament so as to gain political mileage by making misleading statements.

Later talking to reporters at Nakodar in Jalandhar, Capt Singh said that Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had spoken to him over telephone requesting for additional overdrawing of water for irrigation purposes. However, no additional water was available in Punjab and therefore he had expressed his inability to provide extra supply, he added.

''I cannot concede to the request from Ms Raje at the cost of needs of farmers of my state'', he added.

Capt Singh gave an assurance that neighbouring states of Rajasthan and Haryana would continue to get their present share of water as per the inter-state river water agreement.

UNI HS-SS RP PC1753