Jaipur, Feb 7 (IANS) Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, announced on Saturday that the flow of the Indus River towards Pakistan will be halted and redirected for India's benefit.

This initiative aims to support the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Addressing the press at the BJP headquarters in Jaipur, Minister Paatil outlined that the Central government is drafting an action plan for this strategy, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) already prepared to redirect the water flowing to Pakistan.

The Minister further stressed that the Yamuna water project will be expedited to enhance water management and maximize benefits across the nation.

He emphasized that Rajasthan is entitled to a share of Yamuna water, whereas previous administrations failed to take decisive actions towards this goal.

“An agreement has been established between the governments of Haryana and Rajasthan to draft the DPR, and project work will commence soon,” he stated.

The estimated cost for channeling Yamuna water through pipelines is projected to be between Rs 77,000 crore and Rs 1 lakh crore.

“Currently, Rajasthan faces the least water availability, but it will secure the most in the future,” stated Union Minister Paatil, adding that continuous collaboration between Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and the Central government will yield fruitful outcomes.

Significant progress has also been made in providing Yamuna water to three districts in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan.

“Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has given his approval, and the DPR preparation will commence shortly,” said Minister Paatil.

He added that technical efforts are currently underway to guarantee Rajasthan receives its share of surplus water.

The revised DPR has been submitted to the Jal Shakti Ministry and is under review.

Regarding the national project status for the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), Minister Paatil mentioned that such designations are determined at the Union Cabinet level.

His primary goal is to ensure sufficient water for agriculture and drinking, regardless of which government incurs the investment.

On the economic front, the Union Minister remarked on India's steady economic growth over the past twelve years, with inflation remaining under control.

He criticized former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, highlighting that despite his economic expertise, India's global economic ranking lingered at the 10th or 11th position during his term.

“Today, India stands as the world's third-largest economy, with evident benefits from tax reforms,” stated Minister Paatil.

On the Jal Jeevan Mission, he asserted that providing water to every household is the responsibility of the states.

“However, for the first time, the Central government has offered up to 50% financial assistance,” he added.

He noted that over 4,000 complaints related to the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme were received, prompting the formation of 119 investigation teams.

Consequences were enacted against those accountable, including the arrest of a former Minister in Rajasthan.

Union Minister Paatil was welcomed at Jaipur Airport by Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa.

BJP workers also raised enthusiastic slogans during Minister Paatil's arrival in Rajasthan.