Vyas raps Digvijay demand

Vyas alleged that the issue was taken up to gain the tribals vote bank. While he praised State Congress leaders for supporting the project, he demanded the Congress should raise public consensus in Madhya Pradesh.

The Minister claimed that by creating hurdles Madhya Pradesh would be at more loss as when the beneficiaries start getting water, it would be getting the maximum share. Also as compared to Gujarat8217;s share of 16 per cent in electricity, MP would receive 57 per cent electricity, he added.

Commenting on the demands for declaring the Narmada Project as a National Project, he said that if it materialised the Government can raise tax-free bonds.

He reiterated that the State Government would not recover water charges from any of the civic bodies. Vyas was speaking in connection with the cancellation of the Panam Water Works Agreement following which the VMC was asked to pay water charges amounting to more than Rs 18 crore.

While the talks for reconsidering revival are on, Vyas said a three-member committee has been formed to find out an amicable solution. He, however, specified that the State Government would certainly collect water charges from industries. The Committee comprises Vadodara Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria, an officer from the Urban Development department and chief engineer of Irrigation department.

About the VMC8217;s proposal seeking use of Narmada Canal for bringing water from Chandod to Vadodara, he said a report would be submitted to the civic body within three to four months. Vyas said the VMC might not have to pay much.