Union Minister Patil Celebrates Realization of Vajpayee's Vision for River Linking
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Khajuraho, Dec 25 (NationPress) Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil stated on Wednesday that the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a vision for the river interlinking project, which was overlooked by subsequent administrations after his passing. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped in to advance Vajpayee's ambitious project and is committed to implementing it effectively.
"The inaugural river interlinking project is being launched on his birth anniversary. It serves as a true homage to him," Minister Patil remarked.
During his introductory speech, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticized the Congress party for trivializing poverty in Bundelkhand. "Congress leaders treat Bundelkhand as a tourist destination, ridiculing its poverty. They have made empty promises of special packages that never materialized. Even now, they cannot accept the significance of this 'bhoomi pujan' for the Ken-Betwa River linking project," CM Yadav stated.
The Chief Minister highlighted the substantial turnout of individuals witnessing this historic event to express their appreciation for PM Modi. "Your presence has empowered us significantly. I extend my gratitude to PM Modi for this momentous occasion," CM Yadav conveyed.
Upon his arrival in Khajuraho, PM Modi engaged in a roadshow and reached the event site in a beautifully adorned open vehicle, accompanied by CM Mohan Yadav and state BJP president V.D. Sharma. The event attracted an audience exceeding one lakh.
Once on-site, PM Modi conducted a review of the Ken-Betwa River linking project. A senior official from the MP government involved with the project provided PM Modi with a detailed briefing.
This ambitious initiative, costing approximately Rs 49,000 crore, is the nation's first under the national river interlinking policy, aimed at tackling drought and migration challenges in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
The project is projected to offer irrigation advantages to over 8.11 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 59,000 hectares in Uttar Pradesh, positively affecting around seven lakh farmers and stabilizing current irrigation systems.
Additionally, it seeks to ensure drinking water access for 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh, while also generating 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. The project includes the restoration of 42 Chandela-era heritage ponds to boost groundwater levels.
