RAJE SEEKS AID FROM CENTRE TO TIDE OVER WATER CRISIS

Chief minister Vasundhara Raje has urged the centre to give special financial aid to Rajasthan in the wake of acute water crisis.

Raje has also demanded that the proposed Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), which will benefit 13 districts of Rajasthan, should be designated as a national project.

Raje was addressing the Niti Aayog meeting held in New Delhi, an official release stated. She said that ERCP report has already received in-principal approval from the centre and its acceptance as national project will speed up the venture.

Raje also said that a major portion of the country’s population consuming fluoride contaminated water was in Rajasthan and the centre should contribute 50% funds for the projects underway to improve the groundwater quality in the state.

Raje also pitched for increasing the land limit for receiving agriculture input subsidy from two hectares to five hectares. She said that 8-10 districts of the states are affected by drought and the decision on input subsidy is taken based on the number of farmers. However, the actual number of farmers is more than the numbers on basis of which the input subsidy is calculated.

Raje also suggested that a nationwide environment conservation campaign should be launched in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. She also urged the centre to give help for establishing more agriculture mandis in the state.

She also praised the fact that Niti Ayog had made a special mention of Mukhya Mantri Jal Swalambhan Abhiyan and the steps taken by Rajasthan in the field of water conservation.

JAIPUR: A nationwide environment conservation drive should be launched in memory of Mahatma Gandhi VASUNDHARA RAJE, CM