'If Rajasthan Gets Water, Farmers Can Grow Gold From Earth'
CM Bhajanlal Sharma claims Rajasthan farmers can grow gold if water reaches Shekhawati, highlighting Rs 41,000 crore development projects.
In a powerful statement regarding the agricultural potential of the state, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma declared on Thursday that the farmers of the Shekhawati region could effectively "grow gold from the earth" if the critical issue of water scarcity is resolved.
Addressing a massive gathering in Sikar, the Chief Minister emphasized that the prosperity of Rajasthan's farmers is intrinsically linked to the availability of water. He asserted that once the soil is adequately nourished, the land itself will yield wealth through successful cultivation.
A Vision of Prosperity Through Water
The Chief Minister used the metaphor of gold to highlight the untapped potential of the region's hardworking farming community. He drew a distinction between political rhetoric and practical reality, noting that while others might make fantastical claims about turning vegetables into precious metals, his focus remains on the fundamental necessity of irrigation.
"I can say this with certainty: if the Shekhawati region and the soil of Rajasthan receive water, the farmers sitting before me can indeed grow gold from this earth," Sharma stated, adding that through proper crops, they can extract true value from the land.
Prioritising Water, Power, and Industry
Reflecting on his administration's journey, Sharma noted that addressing the water crisis was the absolute first priority when his government took office. He outlined a strategic roadmap that has since expanded to include electricity, employment, and industrial growth.
Key highlights of the government's progress include:
- Massive Infrastructure Investment: Development works worth Rs 41,000 crore have already been initiated on the ground to tackle water issues.
- Yamuna Water Agreement: The government successfully finalized the long-stalled Yamuna water agreement, a move he claimed was stalled for decades.
- Dhanawati Reservoir: Following the agreement with Haryana, administrative and financial approval of Rs 1,622.31 crore has been issued for the construction of the Dhanawati artificial reservoir.
Major Projects and Regional Development
During his visit to Fatehpur, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 83 development projects valued at Rs 1,277.07 crore. These projects are spread across the Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu districts, aimed at boosting regional infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also reviewed several critical water-related initiatives, including:
- The Ram Jal Setu Link Project
- The Kishau Multipurpose Project
- The Mahi Project and Dholpur Lift Project
- Utilization of additional monsoon water from the Narmada
- Water storage enhancements in the Indira Gandhi Canal area
Sharma issued strict instructions to officials to monitor these projects closely, ensuring that there is no compromise on quality and that all construction work is carried out with complete transparency.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister praised the Shekhawati region as a land of heroes and scholars, reaffirming his government's commitment to ensuring that the region's self-respect is matched by its economic stability and water security.