New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making efforts to resolve the water crisis in drought-hit Latur and sought his help to send water to the parched district in Maharashtra's Marathwada region.
Kejriwal in a letter to the Prime Minister said the people of Delhi are ready to send 10 lakh litres of water per day to Latur for the next two months and demanded that the Centre make arrangements for transportation.
"Latur is going through an acute water crisis. The central government has decided to send water to Latur by train. This is an admirable step. It will be shameful for the entire country if anyone dies due to water crisis in India in the 21st century. It is the responsibility of the entire country to help the people of Latur," he said.
"Delhi also faces water shortages. But considering the sinister situation in Latur, it is our responsibility to help people there. If you find it appropriate, you may appeal the chief ministers of other states in this regard. I am sure they will also extend a helping hand," Kejriwal said.
Earlier this morning, a special train carrying around 5 lakh litres of water for parched Latur in Marathwada region, which is battling the worst drought ever, reached the destination after 18 hours this morning.
The 'water train' with 10 wagons carrying water for Latur had left from Miraj in western Maharashtra at around 11 am yesterday and reached Latur at 5 am today, taking 18 hours to traverse a distance of around 350 kilometres.
The district administration has acquired a huge well located near Latur railway station to store the water which will then be supplied to Latur town.
The second train consisting of 50 wagons is expected to be ready for water loading around April 15.
