SSNNL resumes construction of Narmada dam in Gujarat

Vadodara, Oct 1 (UNI) The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) today resumed construction of the multipurpose Narmada dam to increase its height to the Narmada Control Authority (NCA)- approved level of 121.92 metres.

According to project chief engineer O P Gulati, the construction of the dam, which was suspended on July 18 at a height of 119 metres because of monsoon and increase in the water level in the dam, had resumed today and was likely to be completed within a couple of months.

Mr Gulati said about 200 engineers and 1,000 labourers were on the job to complete this ambitious project as early as possible.

Undertaking the construction work on a war footing on March 8, the authorities increased the height of the dam to 119 metres from 110.64 meters before monsoon forced suspension of the work on July 18.

Though the authorities had earlier decided to resume work by the end of October, the date was advanced in view of the retreating monsoon and gradual decrease in the water level in the dam located at Kevadiya colony in Narmada district bordering Madhya Pradesh.

The water in the dam which was overflowing by more than 9 metres during the peak of the monsoon in August, is currently flowing at 117.49 metres as against the dam height of 119 metres, and is likely to decrease further.

According to sources, after the 121.92 metre heigh was achieved at all 29 blocks of the dam, another two-and-a-half-year would be required for installation of radial gates and erection of piers and bridges to fully accomplish the task.

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