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PM fulfilled his commitment to extend Narmada waters to Saurashtra: CM Vijay Rupani

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Farmers
Irrigation
Narmada
SAUNI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled a plaque to launch the Saurashtra Narmada Irrigation (SAUNI) Project at Sanosara in Gujarat. Prime Minister visited the Aji-3 dam site, and released water from the gates of the dam through a switch.

Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled that even as Chief Minister of Gujarat, it had always been his firm belief that water was most important for the farmer. He said, “The water level in the state has begun to rise. Check dams have also been built in large numbers.”

The Prime Minister noted how the situation had changed even in Kutch, where even our jawans did not used to get enough water at one point of time.

Prime Minister said he still remembered the time when he had first met lawmakers from Saurashtra, and discussed the SAUNI Project. He said this is an initiative that should make every Gujarati proud. PM Modi said, “The farmer of Gujarat is very skilled. Give the farmer water and see the wonders the farmer can do.”

PM Narendra Modi also emphasized on the need for water conservation, and spoke about the various initiatives taken by the Union Government for the welfare of the farmers, such as crop insurance.

PM Modi explained how schemes such as Ujjwala for LPG gas connections, and LED bulb distribution are transforming the quality of life of the people. “There is competition between states to outdo each other in terms of LED distribution. Gujarat, in less than 100 days is now leading in terms of LED distribution across the nation. I congratulate the entire team for implementing the LED Bulb distribution programme. I am confident that every household in Gujarat will adopt LEDs and save on electricity bills. The state will save a lot of energy and will also lead the way in helping protect the environment,” he added.

The distribution of 2 crore LED bulbs has led to an annual energy savings of 259 crore kWh which is equivalent to lighting up 5 lakh Indian homes for an entire year. Alongside the savings in units, the state has also benefitted from daily CO2 emission reduction of 5,000 tonnes. The programme has also helped the state to avoid 520MW of peak demand.

Gujarat CM Mr. Vijay Rupani said, “PM Modi fulfilled his commitment to extend Narmada waters to Saurashtra farmers. As Chief Minister, Modi ji was determined that the people of Gujarat should have access to clean drinking water. Now, Saurashtra farmers would be able to sow three crops in a year through the SAUNI project.”

In his address Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Nitin Patel warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and said we are happy that the Prime Minister came here for the inauguration.

Recalling his memory with the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Nitin Patel said that we all remember how the situation was regarding the Narmada and how as CM, Modi ji transformed things.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Mrs. Anandiben Patel said that today is a day of pride. “Our dream is now being fulfilled. We have seen the adverse effects of water shortage in Gujarat. SAUNI Yojana will bring greenery and prosperity in Saurashtra,” said Mrs. Anandiben Patel.

Agriculture & Energy Minister Mr. Chimani Sapariya, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Road Transport Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Mr. Parshottam Rupala and State Water Resources Minister Mr. Nanubhai Vanani gave speeches.

On the occasion, Union Minister of State Mr. Haribhai Chaudhary, Members of Council of Ministers, MLAs, chairpersons of various Boards – Corporations, Government officials, office-bearers and local people in huge number remained present.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat