Amreli, August 27: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah recalled the long history of the Narmada Project during the inauguration of the Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar on Thursday. He noted that the foundation stone was laid by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, while the gates were opened after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.
Speaking at the event in Dudhla, Amreli district, Shah emphasized that the Narmada Project has been a long-standing endeavor, finally delivering water to large parts of Gujarat. He mentioned that he was also born in 1964, the same year Nehru laid the project’s foundation. The gates were opened when Modi took office.
Shah elaborated on how Narmada water was later distributed to Saurashtra and Kutch, reaching places like Khavda. He also referenced the ‘Sauni Yojana,’ which aims to channel excess Narmada water to dams and rivers in Saurashtra.
He linked the state’s water conservation efforts to a decrease in drought conditions in Gujarat. Shah recalled the drought years of 1985, 1986, and 1987, discussing the water shortages and relief efforts during that time. He stated, “After becoming Chief Minister in 2001, PM Modi initiated various water conservation and irrigation measures, including the construction of 1.5 lakh check dams in a single year in 2003.”
Shah mentioned the creation of thousands of lakes, the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana in North Gujarat, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, and the central government’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign.
He noted that the establishment of the ‘Ministry of Jal Shakti’ after Modi took office has led to increased institutional focus on water conservation. Efforts have also been made to enhance irrigation capacity by addressing existing dam obstructions.
Discussing the Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar Project, Shah shared that Savjibhai Dholakia, founder of the Harikrishna Foundation, had informed him two years ago about his plan to create a lake. He expressed satisfaction at witnessing the completed project, praising the water conservation efforts. The lake spans 21 acres, measuring 360 meters long, 260 meters wide, and four meters deep. Shah noted that Dholakia had reported an increase in groundwater levels and the revival of wells in the area following these conservation efforts. He added, “Dholakia’s foundation has also contributed to reviving the Gagadia River and creating 208 lakes.”
Shah expressed confidence that such initiatives would promote collective efforts for water conservation across Saurashtra and Gujarat. He remarked, “Those blessed by God will certainly step forward to save water. They will be inspired, and people will collectively advance water conservation efforts.”
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