After years long delay, thanks to govt nod, Narmada canal work kicks off in Kutch

Bhuj

Five years were wasted due to lack of government’s clearance, but thanks to the governments in centre and state, construction of 23 km long Jesada – Chobari Narmada canal has finally kicked off in arid border district of Kutch in Gujarat.

This particular stretch of Narmada canal will be extremely useful for drinking and irrigation water needs.

Kutch District BJP President and Rapar MLA Pankajbhai Mehta is hopeful for completion of works in one and half year period.

As per Mukeshbhai Zaveri, Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd(SSNNL), Narmada water will reach Pragpar chokdi in Mundra by end of this year and Modkuba in Mandvi taluka next year.

Jesda – Chobari canal works will involve about Rs 140 crore expenditure.

Pending environment clearance was granted to the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd(SSNNL) for construction of 23 km stretch of Kutch branch canal in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary(KDWS) area between Suvai and Chobari in the recent past.

Work on the Kutch Branch Canal in this portion between 144.076 km to 167.400 km had been held in abeyance as that is the length which asses through the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary(KDWS). The state government attempted alternative alignment but it was not found to be feasible looking at the topography.

The State Board of Wild Life in January this year permitted construction of a 23-km long canal after which construction has started.

– DeshGujarat