Panam-VMC pact possible

VADODARA, Nov 5: Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel has once again reiterated the State Government8217;s eagerness to revive the Panam Water Works Agreement with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation VMC. The assurance was given by Patel to Mayor Bharati Vyas and Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria on Thursday during his brief stopover at the Harni Airport on the way to Bharuch.

The Chief Minister is also believed to have said that the State Government was in the final stages of accepting the VMC8217;s proposal to carry water from the downstream of Narmada through the Narmada Canal. It may be recalled that in her proposal Vyas had asked that the VMC be allowed to use the Narmada Canal for carrying 300 cusec water for the city8217;s future requirement up to 2040 A.D.

The VMC had also stated that it would pay the necessary charges. Patel8217;s eagerness to revive the agreement is considered significant as its its cancellation led to the VMC being sent outstanding bills running into crores of rupees.