Jaipur: In a move that could bring major relief to water-scarce Rajasthan, chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma wrote to Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil Tuesday, requesting the expedited implementation of three major water diversion projects linked to the Chenab River basin. The proposed projects aim to divert surplus water from snow-fed rivers like the Chenab toward eastward-flowing rivers such as the Beas, Ravi, and Ujh. This redirection is expected to benefit several north Indian states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi — and most crucially, Rajasthan.The project will benefit the districts of Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Churu, Jodhpur, and Nagaur. In his letter, Sharma highlighted Rajasthan’s acute water needs, stating that the state requires 1.0 million acre feet (MAF) of water for drinking, 1.0 MAF for irrigation, and an additional 0.2 MAF for industrial purposes. He also said the state has the capacity to store 1.0 MAF of water in its existing natural lakes and reservoirs, which could be fully utilised if surplus water becomes available. “This is a crucial opportunity to secure Rajasthan’s water future. We request the govt to implement these water projects at the earliest,” Sharma wrote, calling the initiative a “milestone step” for the state’s long-term development. TNN
