Gandhinagar: Gujarat government today issued a statement and said the first phase of SAUNI project is near completion.

‘For the implementation of second phase works of SAUNI project worth Rs 6,399 crore, a proposal was made before MOWR(Ministry of Water Resource) for 50% (Rs 3200 crore) loan of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB). Ministry of External Affairs of Government of India had given principal approval with condition of MOWR approval.’

‘MOWR had sought CWC(Central Water Commission) approval. CWC is MOWR’s nodal agency. CWC had on 30th December 2016 asked MOWR to include crop pattern, yield, additional water etc details in Detail Project Report(DPR). Clarification on this has been done by Gujarat government. Thus the proposal is in process of approval and prescribed suggestions are to be included in DPR. No question therefore arise regarding approval of other agency or States.’

‘Moreover as per NWDT award, surplus water which is wasted to sea can be used by partner States as per their wish. Surplus volume of water flowing above the dam height is not suitable for use for even power generation. Volume of water that is not possible to store can be used for any purpose without taking allocation of water to partner States into consideration.’

‘Gujarat government has taken up the procedure to implement the second phase of SAUNI project expecting that the Centre will approve it.’

‘These details make it clear that Government of India’s ministry of external affairs has granted in-principal approval to second phase works of SAUNI. Points of CWC and Gujarat government’s clarification are part of the process of approval.’

DeshGujarat