Rajkot:

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today launched works for 171 km long Narmada oriented bulk water pipeline at Jamkandorna in rural Rajkot. The pipeline project kicked off today will see Rs 597 crore works. Once completed, the pipe network will provide connectivity of Narmada water to 156 villages of Jetpur, Dhoraji, Upleta and Jamkandorna talukas and 5 towns of Rajkot district that are Jetpur, Jamkandorna, Dhoraji, Upleta and Bhayavadar.

The project involves laying of 700-1500 mm diameter bulk pipeline in length of 171.50 km and installation of pump houses at 3 locations. Existing 3 pumping facilities will be expanded as part of this project.

Though the area needs 79 MLD wtaer supply at present, the works are planned considering future needs of drinking water upto year 2041.

In this stage, pipeline will be laid between Botad and Gadhda, Chavad, Chamardi and Dhoraji and Upleta-Amarnagar to Vadiya.

The Chief Minister addressing the function said the government has completed 63 km Dhanki-Chuli, 57 km Chuli-Khirai-Maliya, 33 km Dhanki-Navagam and 56 km Navagam-Ratanpur pipeline works only in 2 years.

Speaking on this occasion, minister of state and local MLA Jayesh Radadia said, the area is presently depending on dam water for drinking and irrigation both types of needs. The works that are likely to be completed by September next year will offer drinking water through Narmada network. The dam water if surplus will be useful for irrigation purpose.

Radadia said gas supply for home usage is approved in this area and the service will be functional within this year.

He said, though the area needs 80 mlt water, the supply from Narmada network will be about 100 mlt. The project has been planned considering future needs in span of 50 years.

– DeshGujarat