Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Chief Ministers Discuss Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met his Rajasthan counterpart Bhajanlal Sharma on Sunday in Jaipur to discuss the long-pending Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project. The chief ministers jointly addressed a press conference, expressing their commitment to resolving drinking and irrigation water issues for the people.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated, "We will take the promise, which we had made with the people under the leadership of the prime minister, to the final stage very soon. There are some key issues, they will be included." He highlighted that the decision would benefit 13 districts' drinking water needs and provide water for irrigation to 2.80 lakh hectares of land.

Chief Minister Yadav mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed for the benefit of the people. He expressed optimism about the agreement being ready by the evening and outlined the broad benefits, including impacts on tourism, industries, educational institutes, and the irrigation belt. The project will particularly benefit regions in both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, leading to overall prosperity.

Yadav emphasized that the project would benefit areas like Bhind, Morena, Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain, and Dewas, with the construction of seven dams. While acknowledging pending issues, he mentioned ongoing talks at the bureaucratic level and anticipated a decision by the evening.

Earlier, upon reaching Jaipur Airport, Yadav highlighted the importance of the decision on water distribution from Parvati, Chambai, and Kali Sindh rivers, emphasizing the positive impact on both states and numerous farmers. The leaders are aiming for a resolution that not only enhances the well-being of the states but also opens doors for development opportunities in various sectors.

The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) was introduced as an ambitious initiative by the BJP government in the state budget for 2017-18. The project addresses the long-standing challenges of drinking and irrigation water in 13 districts of eastern Rajasthan.

Yadav expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing leadership on developmental issues, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the states to achieve positive outcomes.

ET