NEW DELHI / AMN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed drought and water scarcity situation in Gujarat with Chief Minister Anandiben Patel here today. During the discussion, Mr Modi said, the creation of an elaborate canal network under the Sardar Sarovar Irrigation Scheme, has led to a significant increase in crop yield and a positive impact on farm incomes. He emphasized on value addition in horticulture and cash crops.
Elaborating on the State’s efforts for water conservation, recharge and creation of water bodies, Ms Patel said, 1.68 lakh check dams, 2.74 lakh farm ponds, 1.25 lakh Bori Bandhs have been made with storage capacity of 42.3 billion cubic feet water, benefitting 6.32 lakh hectares. She said, piped water supply is being provided to 77 per cent of households. She said, in spite of deficient rainfall for the second consecutive year, the work done for the state water grid has resulted in only 568 tankers being required for water distribution in some remote tail areas. Appreciating the effort, the Prime Minister, called for further action to completely eliminate the need for tanker supply.
The Chief Minister also apprised the Prime Minister of the significant progress in micro-irrigation. She said, one hundred per cent coverage of drip/sprinkler irrigation has been achieved in 3789 villages.
The measures undertaken by the State have resulted in a reasonable amount of drought-proofing and crop production in the State has been estimated at 95 per cent of the normal despite two successive years of drought.
Measures to boost progress in fishery, bee-keeping, pearl culture, and seaweed, were also discussed.