40% of Rajasthan's Residents to Gain from ERCP: Bhajan Lal Sharma

Jaipur, Jan 4 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated on Saturday that the state government has made significant advancements in improving water availability during its inaugural year of governance.

He mentioned that the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project-Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (ERCP-PKC) link project will ensure that 40% of the state's population has access to drinking and irrigation water.

Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding has been established to channel Yamuna water to the Shekhawati area, alongside the Dewas scheme in Udaipur to secure water supply. A new initiative to provide water from the Mahi Dam to Banswara and Dungarpur for drinking and irrigation is also underway.

Sharma delivered these insights while participating in the 'Shri Ram Katha' event in Khargada, Dungarpur, which was organized to promote and protect rivers.

He emphasized that community involvement has been pivotal in the water conservation efforts led by Prime Minister Modi, facilitating water recharge initiatives in 40,000 villages across Rajasthan.

He praised the residents of Khargada for their exceptional work in widening and deepening the Moran river, which has enhanced water accessibility within a one-kilometer radius due to nine months of devoted effort.

The Chief Minister called on the community to unite in preserving traditional water sources such as wells, ponds, stepwells, and rivers to guarantee clean drinking water for both current and future generations.

He commended the residents of Khargada for setting a benchmark for the state by prioritizing the conservation of local water resources.

Drawing a parallel to Lord Ram's bridge-building in the Ramayana, CM Sharma highlighted Prime Minister Modi's initiatives to interlink rivers to ensure water access for every household.

He underscored that these initiatives are essential for meeting the water demands of the common man.

The Chief Minister lauded the 'Karmabhoomi to Janmabhoomi' initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.

He further stated that the state government aims to deliver tap water to every home under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with 77,000 connections already installed in Dungarpur and 93% of schools now equipped with tap water connections.

Additionally, he announced a fund of Rs 44 crore for Shilpgram in Dungarpur to support local artisans such as Sompura sculptors and bamboo craftspersons.

The Shilpgram initiative is expected to enhance tourism and provide a venue for showcasing local artistry. The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, which resulted in investment memorandums worth Rs 35 lakh crore, including Rs 1,500 crore earmarked for Dungarpur district.

These investments are anticipated to generate substantial employment prospects in the area.

CM Sharma reassured the public that examinations conducted by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission and the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board maintain complete transparency.

The government has successfully appointed 47,000 youth and aims to provide over 10,000 additional appointments in January. An examination calendar for 2025 has also been published, targeting 81,000 jobs.