AMN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the government’s decision on Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir was inspired by the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Speaking at the Namami Devi Narmade- Mahotsav at Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district of Gujarat, Mr. Modi said the decision is an attempt to find a solution to a decades-old problem.

The Prime Minister said, Sardar Sarovar dam was the dream of Sardar Patel, the first Home Minister of India.

He said, by raising the height of the dam up to over 138 meters and vastly increasing its water storage capacity in the last five years, four states – Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat now stand to benefit. He said the dam is the biggest example of conservation of environment and development going hand in hand.

The Prime Minister said that credit for completing Sardar Sarovar Dam goes to lakhs of people and now, it is their responsibility to utilize the water judiciously. He also termed the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Statue of Unity as an emerging global tourist spot.

Mr. Modi said, this will provide employment to the local tribal population and appealed to the people to make all tourist spots free from single-use plastic.

Earlier, Prime Minister performed the puja to welcome the Narmada water at Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevadia. State Government is celebrating – Namami Devi Narmade- Mahotsav throughout the state to mark the historic overflowing of Sardar Sarovar Dam- the lifeline of the state at its maximum height.

The event coincides with the 69th birthday celebrations of Prime Minister Modi today.