Gujarat demands approval for raising height of Narmada Dam

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today strongly opposed the draft resolution on power sector reforms, saying it would put a major burden on the states, and called for building ''a national political consensus'' on the issue.

Addressing the Conference of Chief Ministers on power sector issues, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here, Mr Modi also demanded Centre's approval for raising the height of the Narmada Dam to 138 meter, which would help generate 1450 MW of power.

''Since the Central Government is not allowing construction of the dam to its full height of 138 mtr, one-third of its generation capacity is not being utilised,'' he said, adding that it was adversely affecting not only Gujarat but also neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in terms of power availability.

With regard to the draft resolution, he suggested that it be amended and the Central Government undertake responsibility for supporting the efforts of the states in generation, transmission, accessibility and overall reforms in the power sector.

Mr Modi also said that the Prime Minister should initiate a process of building political consensus for management and reforms in the power sector. He reinforced this point by saying that Dr Singh should call a meeting of political parties and involve the media and the judiciary also in building up a national consensus.

The chief minister regretted that inspite of the commitment of former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pipavav power project of the state was yet to be allocated gas.

''Even after Gujarat won the competitive bid for gas, the process of gas supply is being blocked,'' he said, stressing that if energy security was a prime concern for the country, the Centre should have political will in resolving such problems.

Gujarat Minister of State for Energy and Petrochemical Saurabhbhai Patel, Chief Secretary Sudhir Mankad, Principal Secretary (Energy) Mrs. V.L. Joshi and other senior officers also attended the conference.

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