Hit by El-nino, Gujarat ready to trade electricity or money for water: Union Minister CR Patil

Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil announced on Sunday that Gujarat's government has proposed an alternative solution to address the state's water scarcity. The proposal involves providing electricity generated from water or monetary compensation in exchange for water, especially for the upcoming Rabi season. Patil made the announcement during an event in Surat city and district, where various developmental projects were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid.

The event also saw the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani.

Gujarat has experienced below-normal rainfall in this monsoon season, with districts like Devbhumi Dwarka and Porbandar recording a deficit of over 50%. According to a State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) report as of September 3, Gujarat received 94.83% of its average monsoon rainfall, amounting to 584.43 mm. However, rainfall was uneven in Saurashtra, Kutch, and parts of north Gujarat. Devbhumi Dwarka received only 5.47% of its average rainfall, while Porbandar recorded 18.12%, Jamnagar 28.88%, and Kutch 86.28%.

The opposition Congress party has been demanding to declare water scarcity in the state and to implement measures to deal with it. Patil assured that Gujarat will undoubtedly receive the required amount of water. CM Patel and Vaghani have been pressuring Patil to ensure that Gujarat gets water from other states. In exchange, Patil mentioned that the power generated from the water will be provided back to the donating state, or financial compensation will be given.

CM Patel has reportedly written a letter to Patil about this proposal, and discussions have been held with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on the matter.

Patil explained that the water shortage situation in Gujarat is primarily due to El Nino, a global climate phenomenon caused by variation in winds and sea surface temperatures. However, he added that Gujarat's water situation is better than that of other states in the country. Rural Development Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya stated in Rajkot on Sunday that the state government has completed its survey in regions with less rainfall and that water scarcity will be declared in those regions if necessary in the future.