Delhi: Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil on Saturday asserted that Indus River water will no longer be allowed to flow to Pakistan, declaring that the Centre is firmly committed to ensuring India’s water resources are used for domestic needs. Speaking during a media interaction at the BJP headquarters in Jaipur, the minister said the government has begun concrete steps to redirect water currently flowing across the border.
“The country’s water resources will be used primarily for the people of India, and the government is taking concrete steps in this direction,” Patil said, underlining the Centre’s resolve on the sensitive issue of water sharing.
He revealed that a detailed project report (DPR) has already been prepared to divert Indus waters to Indian states, adding that the move would directly benefit Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi. “A concrete action plan is being prepared to stop the water going to Pakistan. Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi will directly benefit from this water,” the Union Minister said.
Commenting on the ongoing confrontation in the Lok Sabha, Patil accused the Congress party of creating a dangerous situation on the day the Prime Minister was replying in the House. “On the day of the Prime Minister’s reply, the Congress party created an atmosphere where anything could have happened,” he alleged.
He described it as unprecedented that women MPs reached the Prime Minister’s seat during the protest. “It was unfortunate that Congress women MPs reached the Prime Minister’s seat. This had happened for the first time in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha is for asking and answering questions, not for such acts,” Patil said, adding that pushing women MPs into such confrontations reflected a lack of confidence within the party.
Patil also took aim at Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of insulting the Sikh community over remarks related to Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. “Insulting a turbaned Sardar and blocking his way is wrong. This does not happen in Parliament,” he said.
On the economy, the Jal Shakti Minister said India has witnessed consistent growth over the past 12 years, while inflation has remained under control. Targeting former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Patil claimed that despite his economic expertise, India failed to break into the top global economies during his tenure. “Today, India has become the world’s third-largest economy, and the positive impact of tax reforms is now clearly visible,” he said.
Referring to the long-pending Yamuna Water Project for Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, Patil said earlier governments failed to pursue the state’s rightful claim. He announced that the Haryana and Rajasthan governments have now agreed to prepare a DPR, with work expected to begin soon. “Rajasthan currently has the least amount of water, but in the future, it will have the most,” the minister said.
