Gujarat CM holds meeting to review water scarcity in Kutch

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel held a high level meeting here today to assess preparedness of the state machinery to cope with water scarcity in Kutch region due to deficient rains this year.
The meeting was attended by Gujarat Water Supply Minister Vijay Rupani, Minister of State Jayesh Radadia and top officials of Water Supply, Water Resources and Narmada Nigam departments.
Before the meeting, Rupani told reporters that Kutch was affected by a weak monsoon this year.
"At present, there is no water scarcity in that region. However, we have to chart out a plan before the situation escalates after March. Thus, our CM called a meeting to chalk out a plan to ensure that people don't get affected," Rupani said before leaving for the meeting.

During the meeting, Patel reviewed the plan chalked out to supply additional quota of drinking water to the Kutch region. Against the plan to install 182 new tubewells in that region, work has already been completed for 109 tubewells to supply drinking water, the release said.
In addition, a 36-km long pipeline has been laid near Bhachau to supply 175 MLD of drinking water up to Varshamedi village, the release said.
Patel also instructed officials to co-ordinate with all concerned departments to ensure timely and sufficient quota of drinking water.
According to the government, Abdasa, Lakhpat and Rapar talukas of Kutch district received less than 50 per cent rainfall last monsoon, resulting in water scarcity for the people as well as livestock.