We will complete Narmada dam by December 2016: Gujarat CM

Q When will the Narmada project get completed?
A Work on the Sardar Sarovar dam is ahead of schedule. It was to be completed by September 2017. However, it is likely to be ready by December 2016, which is 9 months ahead of schedule. The main canal, 37 of 38 branch canals, 86% of the distributaries, 73% of minors and 40% of sub minors have been completed.Work on the canal network up to minors is to be completed in 2017-18 and up to sub-minors in 2018-19.
Q The PMO has intervened to push MP and Maharashtra to complete the resettlement and environment compliance work. Till then Supreme Court has refused to allow closure of sluice gates...
A For closure of the gates, permission of Narmada Control Authority is necessary. Clearances from the Environment Sub-Group and the R&R Sub-Group are also pre-requisites.There is a set procedure which includes consultation with the Grievances Redressal Authorities (GRAs) of MP, Maharashtra and Gujarat. All the three states are making every possible effort to comply.
Q Why the slow progress in canal network development?
A Acquisition of private land is a major challenge as canals affect a large number of land owners. Standing crops, reluctance of farmers to hand over land, inter-departmental clearances for various utilities and works in forests and sanctuaries are the reasons for delay. The new policy for subminors through Underground Pipelines (UGPL) has received good response from farmers. During 2015-16, more than 3 lakh hectare land was covered. In April alone, an additional one lakh hectare was covered. This is unheard of in the history of irrigated agriculture in India.
Q The 3 other states owe Gujarat around Rs 5,000 crore.What are you doing to recover the money?
A Part of the outstanding amount is disputed. The outstanding undisputed amount as on February 2016 was Rs 1,078.69 crore. Official attempts through correspondence and discussions in various committees of the NCA (Narmada Control Authority) are on for early settlement.Receipt of payment is an ongoing process.Payments of Rs 655.74 crore have been received in the past 3 years.
Q Gujarat faces water crisis every year. How will Narmada resolve this?
A The state has about 6% of the country's geographical area and about 5% of its population but it has just 2.28% of India's surface water resources. Further, there are intra-state regional imbalances -Kutch has just 2% of the state's water, North Gujarat 11% and Saurashtra 16%. The southern part of the state has just 24% of the area but has more than 70% of the water resources as all the 8 perennial rivers (out of 185 total) are located there. Yet, the state has been able to ensure long-term water security, thanks to the visionary work done by our PM when he was CM of Gujarat. A vast canal network, further extended by piped water supply and inter-linking of water bodies, along with local water conservation schemes, have all helped in optimum redistribution of available water. Looking ahead, we are also exploring the option of desalination of seawater and use of `grey water' for non-drinking purposes.
Q Do you plan to include new areas in this irrigation network?
A Due to the policy of extensive irrigation adopted at the project planning stage, water depth availability per hectare is just 21 inches as against 40 to 60 inches in other irrigation projects in the country. This calls for efficient use of water through cropping and appropriate methods of irrigation. The current command area was finalized by the Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal. At present, there is no plan or scope for its expansion but efficient use of water may provide an opportunity for review.