New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) A significant meeting was held by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday, attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and his Rajasthan counterpart, Bhajanlal Sharma, during which issues related to water resources, irrigation, and drinking water were discussed.

At the meeting, discussions centred on the supply of Rajasthan’s share of water under the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board Agreement. It was decided that Rajasthan would receive its allocated share of water through a pipeline, in accordance with the agreement.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard will be signed on Monday.

CM Saini said Haryana respects Rajasthan’s right to receive water under the agreement and will ensure the supply of its allocated share. He added that better management of water resources can be achieved through coordination and cooperation among states, benefiting all regions.

CM Sharma said Rajasthan is only seeking the quantity of water allocated to it under the agreement. He noted that if surplus water flowing in rivers during the monsoon season is effectively utilised and given to Rajasthan, it could provide a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis in a large part of the state.

At the meeting, CM Saini emphasised that the Renuka, Kishau, and Lakhwar dam projects are extremely important for the states of northern India and that efforts would be accelerated to implement them.

He said these projects would help meet future water requirements, enhance irrigation capacity, and strengthen drinking water availability.

He also raised the issue of polluted water flowing into the Ghaggar River, stating that separate treatment plants would be established to treat water entering the Ghaggar canal, preventing untreated wastewater from flowing into the river and ensuring the cleanliness of water sources and environmental protection.

The meeting saw extensive discussions on water management, river conservation, and various issues related to inter-state cooperation.

Union Minister Patil directed the officials concerned to take prompt action and emphasised that better coordination among states is essential for the proper utilisation and conservation of water resources.

–IANS

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