Cong allegations of desilting scam foolish: Guj CM

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today rejected the opposition Congress' allegations that a "scam" worth Rs 2400 crore has taken place during desilting of water bodies under the state government's "Sujalam Sufalam" water drive.

Rupani today participated in the Narmada 'Jal Pujan' ritual which was held in the dry Bhavani lake in Dhandhuka town in Ahmedabad district.

The ritual marks culmination of the month-long drive which was launched with an objective to deepen around 13,000 lakes and ponds as well as 32 major rivers across the state.

Speaking at the occasion, Rupani slammed the Congress for accusing the ruling BJP of indulging in massive corruption in desilting water bodies.

"As many as 4,600 excavator machines and over 16,000 trucks and tractors were put to use for desilting the water bodies during the last one month," Rupani said.

He also said over 3 lakh labourers were involved in the drive.

"I pity those who are making baseless allegations against us. Congress has showcased their foolishness by accusing us of indulging in corruption. When the total cost of this entire drive was Rs 200 crore, is it possible that a scam of Rs 2,400 crore can take place?" asked the CM.

He was referring to the allegations of the Congress that the Sujlam Suflam drive was mired into multi-crore corruption.

The Bhavani lake, which has gone dry, was also deepened as part of the Sujlam Suflam drive so that more water can be stored in the water body during the monsoon season.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Rupani said the drive was "immensely successful".

"The drive will be organised for two more years in order to increase the water storage capacity of lakes, ponds, rivers, and canals," he said.

Rupani dismissed the Congress' allegation that the drive was organised with an eye on the next year's Lok Sabha elections.

He said the state government was exploring various means to fight water scarcity.

"We have decided to set up a desalination plant near the Gujarat coast to convert sea water into fresh water. Our government has recently launched a policy for the use of treated waste water. I am sure that our endeavour would yield positive results" he said.

During the ritual, 108 pots containing water from the Narmada river were worshipped amid chanting of mantras.

These pots were then emptied out into the lake by Rupani and other dignitaries.