Oppn corners government over looming water crisis

JAIPUR: The looming threat of a severe drinking water crisis reached the assembly with legislators concerned raising the issue of depleted water levels at Bisalpur and Jawai dams.
BJP MLAs Gyanchand Parakh from Pali and Ramlal Sharma from Chomu voiced their concerns during Zero Hour. Speaker C P Joshi assured them that a statement over the water situation and measures taken to deal with the problem would come from the government’s side on Thursday.
Sharma, while raising the issue, pointed out that Bisalpur was the main source of water for four districts – Jaipur, Tonk, Ajmer and Dausa.
“Everyday, there are reports that the water at Bisalpur will not last for more that few days. However, the state government failed to take any precautions or necessary measures. The government must inform the House whether it plans to dig more tube wells or start water trains for these districts too,’’ said Sharma, adding that 90 lakh people would be affected by this. A severe water crisis might lead to a law and order situation in these areas, said Sharma, demanding a reply from the government.
Prior to him, Pali MLA Gyanchand Parakh had brought to the notice of the House that Jawai Dam, which is the main source of water for Pali, was running dry. “The water in the dam right now is only enough for four days. Pali and all the villages of Rohat tehsil is facing a major water crisis,’’ said Parakh.
He admitted that the officials had well managed the crisis till date and that government had met all their demands.