Bansal for interlinking of rivers
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Barnala, February 1
Stressing on the best use of water resources, the Union Minister for Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Pawan Kumar Bansal today said that interlinking of rivers is the need of the hour and has to be done in the interests of the country.

However, he hastened to add that it was a state subject which can be sorted out only on the negotiating table wherein he could act best as the facilitator in the interest of states and the country.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual prize distribution function of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Arya Mahila College, Barnala, where he was conferred Arya Rattan award, Bansal said that whereas some areas in India record only 1100 mm of rainfall, some other areas record a huge amount of rainfall at 11,000 mm.

He added that interlinking of rivers would help in the best and optimum use of river waters for uplift of the farmers by giving a boost to irrigation and making the best use of the available water resources.

Bansal added that the Central government has placed the Shahpur-Kandi as a national project and is awaiting proposal wherein just 10 per cent matching grant for repair, renovation and elation of 2500 crore Central government would be contributed by the state government. He also expressed concern over 152 per cent depletion of sub-soil water, but expressed satisfaction that the sub-soil water is still enough but needs its recharge for which the Centre has sponsored various schemes.

The water resources minister added that presidential reference is awaited on scrapping of river water agreement between Punjab and Haryana by the Punjab Assembly.

Speaking to the media at the residence of Sangrur MLA Surinder Pal Singh Sibia, in the evening, Bansal held the doubling of the minimum support price (MSP) for wheat and paddy during the last five years of the UPA government responsible for the price rise in the country.

Responding to a query as to whether he would he use his influence to get Punjab out of fiscal mess, Bansal ruled out playing a role in getting a special package for Punjab saying that it has to be the Prime Minister’s decision.

He, however, added that states must use the money in such a way that they do not fall in debt.

Commenting on the completion of Ghaggar rivulet bandh, Bansal said that his ministry is ready to release funds but only after Punjab and Haryana amicably solve the issue which is a state subject. He added that he could negotiate only after both the governments desire as Haryana also wants to resolve Hansi-Butana dispute with Punjab simultaneously.

Ruling out the existence of various groups in Punjab Congress, Bansal said there is difference of opinion in every family but that does not mean that it ceases to be a family.