Pachpadra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday pitched for a cooperative approach to interstate water sharing, asserting that political consensus rather than confrontation was key to resolving Rajasthan’s long-standing water challenges.Addressing a public meeting at Pachpadra, Modi said disputes over river waters have persisted for decades across the country, with states often locked in prolonged legal and political battles. He contrasted this with what he described as the BJP’s “Nation First” approach, saying BJP govts had demonstrated that such issues could be resolved through mutual agreement.Recalling his tenure as Gujarat chief minister alongside former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje — who attended the programme virtually from Jaipur — Modi said the two states shared Narmada waters without any conflict or agitation, enabling water to reach several villages in Rajasthan. “There was no confrontation, no movement and no dispute. We resolved the issue through cooperation,” he said.The Prime Minister said a similar spirit had now paved the way for an agreement between BJP-ruled Rajasthan and Haryana to supply water to the parched Shekhawati region. Under the nearly Rs 34,000-crore project, water from the Hathnikund Barrage will be brought to Rajasthan through an underground pipeline, benefiting lakhs of residents in Sikar, Churu, Jhunjhunu and adjoining districts.During his speech, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma lauded the efforts of the Prime Minister in addressing the water needs of the state. Pointing to the CM’s emotional description, Modi also said Rajasthan would receive additional water once the Renuka, Lakhwar and Kishau dam projects in the Upper Yamuna Basin are completed.Highlighting the Centre’s broader water strategy, he cited the expansion of tap water connections, the Ramjal Setu project and the ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’ campaign, under which more than 1.25 lakh soak pits have been created in Rajasthan to improve groundwater recharge and strengthen the state’s long-term water security.
