With the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Rajasthan is hoping to receive water from the Chenab River basin. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has written a letter to Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, requesting the early implementation of major water projects related to the Chenab River basin.
Through these proposed projects, excess water from Himalayan rivers like the Chenab can now be diverted to several North Indian states, including Rajasthan, via the Ravi-Beas-Sutlej link canal.
In his letter, Chief Minister Sharma stated that Rajasthan needs approximately 1.0 MAF (million acre-feet) of water for drinking purposes, 1.0 MAF for irrigation, and 0.2 MAF for industrial needs. He added that the state has the capacity to store 1.0 MAF of water in existing natural lakes and reservoirs.
“I urge the central government to begin these projects soon, as they will be a milestone for the future of Rajasthan,” said the Chief Minister in his letter.
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Officials noted that once implemented, the proposed projects will increase the water supply to the Indira Gandhi Canal — a major source of drinking and irrigation water for western Rajasthan. Additionally, industries will benefit from a steady water supply, paving the way for new investments and job creation.
