Ahmedabad: The Indian President Mr. Ram Nath Kovind today laid foundation-stone of the 2nd phase works, worth of Rs. 1,068.63-crore, of the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Scheme (SAUNI). He also visited the famous Ghela Somnath Mahadev Temple and made pooja. He also prayed to Lord Ghela Somnath for prosperity and happiness of every citizen of Saurashtra and the country.

Mr. Kovind, who is on two-day long visit of Gujarat from yesterday, praised and congratulate Gujarat for its vast and effective utilization of natural resources for the progress. The entire scheme has proved to be a model for the country and other states which are adopting this model. With its growth in social as well as economical progresses Gujarat is providing an inspiration to other states of the country.

Adopting of the success mantra “Per Drop, More Crop” for setting up irrigations, canal networks and WASMO scheme have brought waters to water scarcity regions of Saurashtra and Kutch which is the result of the long vision of the Gujarat Government, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Gujarat Governor Mr. Om Prakash Kohli praised the SAUNI scheme which provided waters to every farms and villages of Saurashtra region. This scheme will bring a ‘Green Revolution’ into Saurashtra in coming days.

Mr. Kohli said that the SAUNI scheme will fill 115 water-reservoirs with Narmada waters, will provide irrigation water to more than 8-lakh hectares of farming land and will also solve the drinking water problem of 1,297 villages and 31 cities. It will opened-up the new directions and doors for the progress of Gujarat and will keep the state as the front runner on the path of progress.

The Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani said that originally the scheme was envisaged by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1946, but, it was held-back under various pretexts like environment, rehabilitation and others. Its foundation was laid in 1961, but, the scheme is concluding as per the present Prime Miniser’s vision in 2017.

Mr. Rupani said that the ‘SAUNI’ scheme will bring sea changes in Saurashtra. He also urged the people to use water rationally and sensibly to save it for future generations.

Those, who spoke on the occasion, included deputy chief minister Mr. Nitinbhai Patel, state minister Mr. Nanubhai Waghani and others. ‘Vote of Thanks’ was delivered by district collector Dr. Vikrant Pande. Others, who attended the function, included Union Cabinet Ministers – Mr. Mansukhbhai Mandaviya and Mr. Purshottambhai Rupala, state ministers – Mr. Babubhai Bokhirya, Mr. Chimanbhai Sapariya, Mr. Atmarambhai Parmar, and Mr. Jasabhaibhai Barad, former chief minister Mrs. Anandiben Patel, MP Mr. Mohanbhai Kundariya, Mr. Devjibhai Fatehpara, Mr. Shankarbhai Vegad, Mr. Rajeshbhai Chudasama, Dr. Bharatiben Shiyal, leader Mr. Bharatbhai Bodhra and large number of senior officials and local citizens.

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