Gujarat CM Unveils ₹696 Cr Water Projects to End Saurashtra’s Drought Woes

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has remotely launched and laid foundation stones for 12 development projects valued at ₹696.25 crore in Surendranagar, with a strong focus on irrigation and drinking water supply to combat water scarcity in the Saurashtra and Zalawad regions.

Major Investment in Water Infrastructure

Out of the total investment, ₹664 crore is dedicated to water and irrigation-related initiatives. The CM reiterated that Saurashtra and Surendranagar, once severely drought-prone, are now witnessing major changes due to schemes like the Sauni Yojana and Sujalam-Sufalam Yojana, which have ensured water supply to remote villages. These initiatives are part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing vision to resolve Gujarat's water challenges.

SAUNI Yojana and the Narmada Lifeline

Patel emphasised that the diversion of Narmada water under the SAUNI Yojana had greatly improved lives in Jhalawad and the broader Saurashtra region. He highlighted the construction of the Dhanki pumping station in Lakhtar, Asia’s largest such facility, which can lift water to a height equivalent to a 24-storey building. This infrastructure has accelerated agricultural prosperity and improved the standard of living for farmers in the region.

Jan Shakti Meets Jal Shakti

The CM lauded PM Modi's commitment to integrating people’s power with water conservation. He added that the combination of water availability and 24-hour three-phase electricity in villages has transformed Gujarat’s rural economy. He further credited the SAUNI Yojana with preventing millions of litres of Narmada water from flowing into the sea and instead using it to irrigate drought-hit regions.

Operation Sindoor and Water as a National Priority

Patel also took the opportunity to commend the success of Operation Sindoor, describing it as a symbol of national unity and pride. He reiterated the importance of water conservation, referencing national campaigns like 'Catch the Rain' and encouraging citizens to make water-saving a lifestyle choice. The CM urged locals to support natural farming, plant trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, and prefer local products in line with the 'Vocal for Local' ethos.

Key Projects and Regional Impact

Massive Pipeline Network for Rural Irrigation

• A 235-km-long pipeline will supply water to 45 villages in Dhrol, Wadhwan, and Muli talukas at ₹293.25 crore.
• Another pipeline network will serve 44 villages in Sayla, Muli, and Wadhwan talukas, costing ₹218.19 crore.
• Sarvada Pumping Station will lift water from Brahmani-1 to fill ponds in 11 villages in Halvad taluka via a 69-km pipeline, benefiting 433 hectares of farmland. Cost: ₹40.88 crore.

Over 100 Villages to Benefit

With an aggregate investment of ₹552 crore, these water-focused projects aim to solve drinking water issues and boost irrigation coverage in more than 100 villages. During his visit to Limli village in Surendranagar, CM Patel also performed the foundation ceremony for a ₹218 crore irrigation water supply project and took part in religious visits and local traditions.

E-Inaugurations and E-Foundation Ceremonies

During the event, Patel e-inaugurated three completed projects valued at ₹115.19 crore and digitally laid foundation stones for nine more worth ₹581.06 crore. Water Resources Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya termed the day historic, drawing parallels with the arrival of Narmada water at the Dholidhaja Dam. He credited the CM’s vision for reducing migration and distress caused by drought, declaring that effective systems are now ensuring consistent water access even in historically dry regions.

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