Rajkot: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today at Aaji dam here welcomed the water of Narmada, now flowing in Aaji dam. He also inaugurated an express line connecting Aaji and Nyari dam – two major source of water for the city of Rajkot. The Prime Minister also dedicate increased height of Nyari dam. Narmada water supply to Aaji dam and its connectivity to Nyari dam through express feeder lie would solve the problem of water supply for Rajkot city. The Prime Minister in his speech said:

– Years ago when I was Chief Minister and travelling to Kutch, I was asked by people to visit Aaji dam as it was overflowing at that time. I was told that this was a big event for Rajkot. I came here to cheer the overflowing Aaji dam and I myself witness how happy people were due to overflow at Aaji dam. We don’t need to explain the importance of water t the people of Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch.

– In the past people would dig the earth and install tap deep inside to get water. This was the scenario outside every home. People here would discuss water only and even my tour as Sangh Swayamsevak would be arranged depending on the situation of water in Rajkot.

– There were years when Rajkot had to be supplied water via train. It was national news. Rajkot has witnessed such difficult days.

– Generally, the government would counter the problem of water by moving more tankers or installing newer hand pumps. Even the people had developed habit to get satisfied with such solutions. Getting hand pump from the government was considered a big work. We took Gujarat from such scenario to where actually? On one hand the tankers and hand pumps and on the other hands the pipeline, so big in size that entire Maruti car would pass through. And we filled dams after laying pipelines. Best results come when there’s far sighted government in place which is dedicated to good of people and honestly intends to bring change in life of common people.

– Those in the age group of 15-17 year would not know what was Gujarat in the past. Power supply was uncertain and irregular. People from Kutch, Kathiawad would migrate to slums in cities elsewhere. From where we started is easily understood when we think how our parents were living in those days. A person who would wish to get loan for wedding of daughter would not get it by mortgaging his land because due to lack of water, there was no value attached to the land. Not long ago, but just twenty years back there was this situation here, and I don’t want to discuss it was due to whose sins.

– Since the people of Gujarat gave opportunity to serve, we worked very hard to give water, power, roads to Gujarat. It is because of this reason that we can see eye to eye and converse with you. It’s not that we oblige you. We have the feeling of fulfilment of our duty. It’s feeling of satisfaction.

-Chief Minister Rupani just said how without getting tired, I came here after three-days of foreign visit(without feeling eve jetlag). When you shower so much love, there’s no reason for me to feel tired.

– I perfectly remember that when I launched SAUNI project in Hemu Gadhvi hall in Rajkot and gave power point presentation on the same and told that this was my dream project, many questions were raised. Some said this was not possible, some said ground water can not be lifted to such a tall height, some said Modi was talking such things because elections were coming. Political parties obviously didn’t refrain to do political attack, the media fraternity had raised questions. From where you will manage money for this project? Even if you arrange the budget, such project would complete not before year 2040 etc. And with full confidence and understanding I had told the people of Gujarat that we will do anything but this project will be implemented. We have many things to address in the budget, but we knew that once water would reach the corners of Saurashtra and Kutch, the land will bring prosperity and newer heights of progress will be achieved.

– It is because of it that the work was completed seven months before schedule. Today Aaji dam is getting water will full force from 470 km away. We have lifted Narmada water to the height equal to a 65-storey building. And water will flow in your kitchen after all these efforts.

– Sardar Sarovar dam work has been completed just ten days ago. The Chief Minister and others went to the dam site and performed closure of dam gates. Obstructions were there in Sardar Sarovar project. Who caused which troubles, who played what role would be known to everyone in future when the journey of this project will be analysed.

– Water reached here but with that you have responsibility to save it, use it wisely, use drip irrigation in farms, install a waste water treatment plant in Rajkot. If you recycle the water and use it for factories, gardens, construction etc, then even greater size of Rajkot in future will not face the problem of water. I want to thank the farmers of Kutch who once accepted my request and started using drip irrigation methods extensively.

– SAUNI project was announced amid the clouds of doubts. Today the project has climbed the ladder of success. The water fetched from this project is also for those who oppose it.

DeshGujarat