Gujarat to expand Sauni Yojana pond-filling coverage from 3 km to 7 km

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has decided to expand the coverage of the SAUNI Yojana in Saurashtra by increasing the existing 3-km limit to 7 km, allowing more lakes within the expanded radius to be filled through the scheme. Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Ishwar Singh Patel made the announcement while replying to a question in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

Responding to a question in the Assembly, Patel said a survey will be conducted to identify lakes located within 7 km of the square valves of SAUNI Yojana pipelines. Once the survey is completed, eligible lakes within the expanded radius will be connected for water supply under the scheme.

The tender process for the survey of lakes within the 7-km radius of the SAUNI Yojana pipeline’s square valves in Rajula taluka of Amreli district has already been completed. The government has set a target to complete the survey by October 2026, Patel said.

The minister also said the government has approved the construction of a 22-km dual pipeline parallel to the Botad Branch Canal of the Narmada Nigam, connecting Dholidhaja Dam to Vadod Dam. The project is scheduled to be completed by April 2028.

Patel said the remaining works required to supply water through the SAUNI Yojana would also be completed soon. DeshGujarat