By our correspondent, Gandhinagar, 1 April 2013

The first set of results of ambitious SAUNI project will be seen on the ground by the end of this year only. Minister of state for Water resources Shri Nanubhai Vanani said in Gujarat Assembly today.

“Under the SAUNI Yojana, Morbi’s Machhu-1 and Machhu-2 dams will get water by December this year,” he said.

Replying a question asked by Morbi MLA Kantibhai Amrutiya, Shri Vanani said that at present Machhu dam is witnessing desilting and excavation works. Under the SAUNI yojana, Morbi’s Machhu dam will get the water first.

He said survey and technical works are on under SAUNI Yojana.

In reply to another question, the minister said that under SAUNI Yojana, Machhu-1 dam will get 950 million square ft water while Machhu-2 will get 1030 million square ft.

He said the entire project is about supplying 10 lakh acre ft water to Saurashtra’s 115 dams.