Raj Assembly passes bill for management, dev of river basins

Jaipur, Apr 8: Rajasthan Assembly today passed Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning bill 2015 for management, development of river basins and sub-basins, and interlinking of rivers from surplus to deficit basins in the state.

The bill was passed by voice vote after the reply of water resources minister Rampratap on the debate on it. The bill has provisions for the establishment of a State Water Resources Advisory Council and Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning Authority to adopt an integrated water resources management approach for management and development of river basins and sub-basins on sustainable basis for ensuring optimal and efficient utilisation of ground and surface water.

Earlier, speaking during the debate on the bill, members of the House highlighted water scarcity in the state and laid emphasis on finding ways to address the challenge. BJP MLA Hari Singh Rawat said the state would face severe crisis of water in years to come if the situation continues. Congress whip Govind Singh said that the government should also improve condition of Indira Gandhi canal in the state which needs maintenance and repairing.

PTI