Guj govt failed to build Narmada canals network in time: Cong

Accusing the BJP government in Gujarat of delay and negligence in Sardar Sarovar Project, Congress today said the state was yet to construct over 51,000 kms of canal network under the plan.
Ahead of the inauguration of underground pipeline network of sub-minor canals tomorrow, the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesperson Manish Doshi alleged that tomorrow's event is just another "eyewash" from state government.
"Sardar Sarovar Project on river Narmada was envisioned to end the water woes faced by the people of Gujarat. But sadly, the BJP government has failed to complete the minor as well as sub-minor canal network during its rule since 2001. Launch of a new project tomorrow is just another eyewash by them to hide their criminal negligence," Doshi stated in a release.

The Narmada canal network in Gujarat is divided into four major parts, starting from the Narmada main canal, branch canals, minor canals and sub-minor canals.
Doshi claimed that out of total 74,168 kms of canal network, only 22,742 kms long canals have been built so far, leaving a gap of 51,425 kms.
"Till now, the state government has spent more than Rs 15,000 crore on this canal project. Due to widespread corruption and lack of determination, only 34 per cent minor canals and 25 per cent sub-minor canals have been completed till date," Doshi alleged.

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, along with other ministers will tomorrow inaugurate Rs 2,000 crore worth project of laying pipeline network of sub-minor canals to irrigate 5 lakh hectares of agricultural land in different parts of state.

The proposal to lay underground pipeline network, instead of constructing sub-minor canals on the land was earlier approved in the state cabinet in December last year.
Patel is scheduled to inaugurate the project from Dasada in Surendranagar tomorrow morning, while ministers will simultaneously inaugurate the project from 17 different talukas in the state, an official press release said.