Gujarat willing to trade electricity for water: Union minister C R Paatil

Surat: Amid below-normal rainfall in parts of Gujarat and the possibility of water scarcity, chief ministers of four states, including Gujarat, are set to meet in Delhi on Tuesday. Union Jal Shakti minister C R Paatil on Sunday said Gujarat had offered to provide electricity generated from water or monetary compensation in exchange for water from neighbouring states to address the anticipated deficit. He said efforts were underway to ensure adequate water for the upcoming rabi crop season.

Speaking at an event in Surat in the presence of chief minister Bhupendra Patel and state agriculture minister Jitu Vaghani, Paatil said the chief minister would visit Delhi, likely on Tuesday, to meet his counterparts from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan to discuss Gujarat’s water requirements.

I can assure you in advance that the necessary water will be secured to address the water deficit in Gujarat,” Paatil said, adding that the CM had proposed offering either electricity generated from the water or monetary compensation in return for the supply.

Paatil said he had spoken to Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav on Saturday and informed him about a letter received from Gujarat govt seeking a decision by Tuesday. The Madhya Pradesh CM had agreed to the proposal, he said.