Modi inaugurates Sujalam Spreading Canal Project

Patan, Gujarat, June 15: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated 'Sujalam Sufalam Spreading Canal Project' by opening the gates of Kadana Dam at Balisana village of Patan taluka in this district.

''With this project, the parched lands of Gujarat will become lush green and the income of farmers will double by 2010,'' Mr Modi said while addressing a large gathering of farmers.

Criticising the Congress-led UPA government, he said ''Then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had assured Rs 6000 crore to spreading canal project. However, when the Congress-led UPA government took over, it did not provide any assistance despite repeated requests.

The state government took up the project and completed it within 1000 days.'' ''While Sardar Sarovar Project has linked nine rivers, the Sujalam Sufalam Project has linked 21 rivers. While the work on 450 km-long Narmada canal could not be accomplished in the past 35 years, our government has finished the 337-km-long long Sujalam Sufalam Spreading Canal Project within just 1000 days,'' Mr Modi said.

Accusing the UPA government of depriving Gujarat farmers of their right to electricity, the Chief Minister said ''The present government has snatched 200 mega watt electricity from them.

Moreover, it has reduced the grant of Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme from 70 to 30 per cent.'' The canal originates from Kadana Dam across river Mahi and runs up to Rel River in Banaskantha district. It has a capacity of 2,000 cusecs and passes through 232 villages in seven districts. It crosses 21 rivers, two national highways, 27 state highways, seven railway lines and several village roads and drains. The ground water will be recharged by the canal and will prove beneficial for irrigation.

UNI