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.
