Sardar Sarovar Dam reaches NCA-approved 121.92 mtrs height

Kevadia, Gujarat, Dec 31 (UNI) The controversial multipurpose Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river here in eastern Gujarat today finally reached the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) approved height of 121.92 metres.

Announcing this at a public rally organised to mark the achievement, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the 1450 MW hydropower house project which was complete in all respect at the dam site, would be dedicated to the nation next month.

Chief Ministers of all the three participating states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajastan, and all political parties, former Chief Ministers and other dignitaries will be invited to the function, he said.

The Chief Minister, who performed puja at the dam site before addressing the gathering, described Sardar Sarovar Project as the lifeline of Gujarat and congratulated the Union Government, three beneficiary states as well as the Supreme Court for their continued support and cooperation in achieving the feat. The credit also goes to all political parties and the five crore people of Gujarat, he added.

Mr Modi said the four states involved in this project would get the real benefit of development from this when the dam's height will be raised to 138.68 metres with installation of 30 radial gates and erection of piers and bridges.

According to Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) sources, more than Rs 25,000 crore had already been spent on this inter-state multipurpose project which was originally estimated to cost Rs 6,000 crore when the construction work began in 1979. The project was estimated to cost another Rs 10,000 - 12,000 crore to fully accomplish the task of canal works across Gujarat, installation of radial gates and other construction works.

The plan for harnessing the Narmada river was originally conceived in 1946 by 'Iron Man' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. But the foundation stone was laid by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on April 5, 1961.

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