Modi to inaugurate spreading canal project

Patan, Gujarat, June 12 (UNI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ''Sujlam Suflam Spreading Canal Project'' at Balisana village of Patan taluka in this district on June 14.

Chief engineer and Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department additional secretary J B Patel told reporters, who were conducted on a tour to Kadana Dam, that the project was initiated in February 2004.

The 337-km-long spreading canal originates from Kadana Dam across river Mahi and run up to Rel River in Banaskantha district, Mr Patel informed. It has a capacity of 2000 cusecs and passes through 232 villages in seven districts.

''The canal crosses 21 rivers, two national highways, 27 state highways, seven railway lines and several village roads and drains,'' Mr Patel said.

The ground water will be recharged by the canal and prove beneficial for irrigation, Mr Patel said.

As part of the project, 104 big check dams are also to be constructed in Surendranagar district.

UNI