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Raje pins hope on early verdict on water issue

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, raised the issue of shortage of power and scarcity of water in the State at the National Development Council meeting in New Delhi on Monday while making a plea for hearing of the Presidential reference on the river water dispute with Punjab by a Special Bench of Supreme Court.

According to a spokesperson of the State Government here, Ms. Raje said that an early verdict by Supreme Court in the matter would help Rajasthan get its full share of 8.60 MAF from the Ravi-Beas waters.

On the power front, Ms. Raje called upon the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to issue directions to the Coal India Limited to supply adequate coal to thermal power stations in Rajasthan.

Coal shortage

While pointing out that the Suratgarh and Kota thermal power plants were facing an acute shortage of coal, Ms. Raje said a uniform minimum floor rate in regard to power should be fixed for the entire country.

Referring to the huge oil reserves found in western parts of the State, Ms. Raje said an immediate action was needed on the issue of setting up an oil refinery pending with the Centre.

She said the creation of adequate rail facilities and laying of broad gauge lines in western and southern Rajasthan was also necessary for giving momentum to economic development of the State.

The Chief Minister called upon Dr. Singh to ensure a prompt formal announcement for converting the Sanganer airport near Jaipur into an international airport to give the much-needed fillip to the tourism industry. She regretted that the Agra-Jaipur circuit of the famous "golden triangle" was not connected with good air and train services.

Scarcity of water

Ms.. Raje said Rajasthan, which was now geographically the largest State in the country, had faced drought for 40 years and the ground water level was depleting fast.

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