LUCKNOW: The Union Government will extend all possible assistance to the Uttar Pradesh Government for rejuvenation and restoration of the Sharda Sahayak and Sharda Canal irrigation system that extends from Lakhimpuri-Kheri district to Rae Bareli district via Lucknow.

This was the outcome of talks between Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz and UP Irrigation Minister Merajuddin Ahmed here on Tuesday when the Union Minister visited Rae Bareli to review the Sharda Sahayak and Sharda canal systems.

Talking to The Hindu on his return from Rae Bareli, Prof. Soz said he had asked the State Government to send a proposal, including the financial component, to the Central Government for restoration of the canal system. "We will extend all cooperation for the irrigation water to reach the farmers," he said.

Prof. Soz said he had had detailed discussions with Mr. Ahmed and the State irrigation officials on the subject during his two-day stay in Lucknow.

Stating that water was becoming a scarce commodity, the Central Minister said his ministry was ready to help UP in recharging ground water, rainwater harvesting and revival of water bodies. He said waterlogging was another problem area in the State.

Rs.1.60-crore proposal

The State Irrigation Minister said a Rs. 1.60-crore proposal had been sent to the Central Water Resources Ministry for earlier schemes and the proposal for the rejuvenation of the Sharda system would be sent soon. Mr. Ahmed said he urged Prof.

Soz to make available Rs. 885 crore to the state for the Centrally sponsored water schemes, Rs. 305 crore for restoration of Sharda Sahayak and another Rs. 105 crore for the Sharda Canal system.

Water for Delhi

Meanwhile, Prof. Soz told newsmen on Monday that the Central Government had asked for 300 cusecs of water from UP for the Sonia Vihar treatment plant in Delhi.

He said he had written three letters to Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav but only about 100 cusecs of water had been made available to Delhi.

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