Narmada Waters reach Rajasthan

Sanchore(Rajasthan), Mar 27 (UNI) The much awaited supply of the Narmada waters to Rajasthan from the Sardar Sarovar dam through Narmada canal began today.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje opened the gates of Narmada canal at the Seelu headworks near here to release the water. Water Resources Minister Sanwar Lal Jat, BJP state President and newly elected Rajya Sabha Member Om Prakash Mathur and several dignitaries were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Raje expressed satisfaction over availability of Narmada waters for catering to the needs of people in the desert area.

She said that her party had committed in the last assembly election for bringing this water in Rajasthan and her government has kept the promise.

As per the inter state Narmada Waters agreement signed by Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra, Rajasthan has been allocated 5 lakh Acre feet water.

A 458 Kms long Narmada canal has been constructed for bringing water from the Sardar Sarovar to Rajasthan. On completion of water distributory system by 2010 this water will irrigate 2.5 lakh hectare lands and cater drinking water needs in 1,150 villages and three towns of Barmer and Jalore districts.

UNI SS PDT KN1846