The Indian Express  02.08.2012

RMC seeks Rs 300-cr relief for thirsty Rajkot

To cope up with acute water crisis in the region, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has asked for a relief package to the tune of Rs 300 crore. The sum will be used to supply water through tankers, revive bore wells in Wanakner area and maintain existing water connections.

The proposal submitted by the RMC authorities to the state government will be forwarded to the central government that is expected to release relief package for drought affected areas soon. Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is also scheduled to take two-day visit of the state later this week.

“The relief package has been determined keeping requirements of the city in mind with population over 13 lakh,” said RMC Commissioner Ajay Bhadoo, adding, “While RMC needs around Rs 180 crore for short-term requirements, Rs 120 crore will be required for long-term projects.”

The short-term plans include reviving Wanakner Bore Wells project — with over 100 bores in reserved forest area of Wankaner that provided water to the city a decade back during drought years — and also a waive off from Narmada water bill.

Narmada water supply bill for this year, which RMC is expected to pay to the state government, is around Rs 62 crore.“The RMC is expecting the government to waive off Narmada water bill this year,” Bhadoo said.