Gehlot demands special status, Rs 51,000 crore package

"The state has prepared a detailed scheme to achieve national targets of drinking water supply. The state requires Rs 37,000 crore for rural areas upto 2016-67 and Rs 13,440 crore for urbane areas. Thereby, a total of Rs 50,440 crore is required," he said here.

The Chief minister was addressing the 57th meeting of National Development Council (NDC) at Vigyan Bhawan here.

He said in terms of availability of water, the position of Rajasthan is gravest in the country.

"The conditions are becoming more critical due to uncertain and scanty rainfall during the monsoon. The supply of water has become increasingly difficult due to demand of a growing population, livestock, agriculture and industries," he said.

Demanding special status for the state, Gehlot said Rajasthan shares strategically important 1,040km long border with Pakistan and has faced droughts in 56 years out of past 62 years and 40 per cent of its population resides in 12 districts under Thar desert.

He said the per capita population density of the state was also lower than the national average and cost of carrying out infrastructure projects was higher than other states.

"I would request you to include Rajasthan in the list of special category states," Gehlot said.

He also laid stress on setting-up an oil refinery in Barmer during his address. (MORE)