The Narmada water from neighbouring Gujarat touched the desert sands of Rajasthan on Thursday at a function marking the release of water to the receiving head at Lalpura village in Jalore district. The water will serve the needs of people in Barmer and Jalore districts apart from irrigating 2.46 lakh hectare area in 233 villages. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated the release of water, coming from Banaskanta district of Gujarat, in the presence of Water Resources Minister Sanwarlal Jat, State BJP president Omprakash Mathur and MLAs from the region. The inter-State joint project, implemented at a cost of Rs.1,975 crore, will provide drinking water in 1,336 villages and Jalore, Bhinmal and Sanchore towns. The flow of water is likely to reach 500 cusecs on peak against 300 cusecs in season. Of the 28 MAF water available in the Narmada basin and its tributaries, Rajasthan's share is 0.5 MAF per irrigation year for both irrigation and drinking water supply. The irrigation will be taken up through the sprinkler systems. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was conspicuous by his absence at the function. Ms. Raje opened three gates at the receiving head by switching on the automatic key and inaugurated a 33 KV Grid sub-station established by Jodhpur discom at a cost of Rs.1 crore for the project.