Rajasthan Minister Praises Union Budget, Details Progress on Key Water Projects
In a significant development from Bhilwara, Rajasthan's State Irrigation Minister Suresh Rawat expressed strong support for the Union Budget on Monday, stating it "will benefit all" and is perfectly aligned with the government's overarching vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). His remarks came during a detailed briefing on several critical infrastructure initiatives underway in the region.
Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) on Track for 2027 Completion
Minister Rawat provided a crucial update on the ambitious Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), a flagship initiative expected to transform water availability in the state. He confidently announced that the project is scheduled for completion by December 2027. Highlighting the ongoing efforts, Rawat noted that engineers are working tirelessly, "day in and day out", near Keshoraipatan on the Chambal River to ensure the project stays on schedule.
In a substantial financial commitment, tenders worth an impressive Rs 14,000 crore have already been issued for the project's second phase, signaling rapid progress. The minister emphasized that the ERCP will prove to be a tremendous boon for 17 districts across Rajasthan, with physical work having already commenced on the ground.
Countering Political Criticism on ERCP
Addressing criticism from former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who pointed out the ERCP's absence from the Union Budget speech, Minister Rawat launched a robust defense. He asserted that during the Congress party's tenure in power, the project "only talked about ERCP" without translating words into actionable work. According to Rawat, the tender process and substantive advancement of the ERCP gained momentum only after the BJP government assumed power in Rajasthan. He dismissed Gehlot's allegations as being politically motivated and lacking factual basis.
New Water Projects for Mewar and Northern Districts
Looking beyond the ERCP, Minister Rawat outlined plans for additional water resource development. He revealed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared for a significant project involving the Mahi and Jakham rivers in the Mewar region. Once approved and implemented, this initiative aims to address pressing irrigation and drinking water needs by channeling surplus water from these rivers to dams located in four key districts:
- Bhilwara
- Chittorgarh
- Rajsamand
- Udaipur
In another positive development for water-scarce areas, Rawat confirmed that a DPR for utilizing Yamuna River water is now complete and ready for the districts of Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu in northern Rajasthan.
Response to Demands for Exam Probe and Corruption Allegations
The minister also addressed a separate issue raised by Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra, who has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into competitive examinations conducted in Rajasthan over the past decade. Minister Rawat responded firmly, stating that in previous paper leak cases, the former government "made a mockery of the youth" across the state.
He further referenced recent allegations made by a Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member, who claimed that membership in the commission could be obtained through monetary payments. Assuring proactive governance, Rawat stated that the current state administration has already taken decisive action against many individuals involved in corrupt practices and remains committed to continuing this rigorous crackdown to ensure transparency and integrity in public services.
