NEW DELHI: Union minister Nitin Gadkari said today that the government was exploring possibilities to create a "large fund" for projects related to inter-linking of rivers as they require massive investments.The minister for water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation said his ministry will move a proposal in the Union Cabinet - comprising 285 irrigation projects planned to be taken up next year - to provide irrigation to 1.88 crore hectares of land.Addressing the fifth India Water Week-2017 in New Delhi, Gadkari said 30 projects related to inter-linking of rivers have been identified. They require huge investments, he said. "Two-three days ago, I was going to Gujarat with the prime minister, and we discussed (the funding for the projects)... He accepted (it). He hoped that the work on the project will start soon thereafter.He thanked former Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati, who was present at the event, for preparing detailed reports for several projects, including key river-linking projects.Bharti, who is now the minister for drinking water and sanitation, said the projects related to Gadkari's ministry were also linked to her ministry, like the inter-linking of rivers comprise a large component of drinking water.Bharti said an impression was created that she has been separated from the water resources ministry when she was moved to the drinking water and sanitation, but Gadkari "ensured" she "could not be separated" as he invited her to the event.President Ram Nath Kovind, Union ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Satyapal Singh were also present at the event.

Source: Times of India October 10, 2017 12:00 UTC