Rajkot: Earlier we connected Mahi and Sabaramti rivers to Narmada, and now Narmada water is flowing in six rivers here in Saurashtra, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said in reference to Government of India’s proposed scheme to link rivers in order to solve the problem of water scarcity.

Speaking about SAUNI yojana he said, “On 25 September 2012 in an auditorium in Rajkot I gave a presentation to representatives of all sections in Saurashtra and explained the SAUNI scheme. I observed sparkle in eyes of those attending the function. Works progressed in February 2014. I was not there, but under the leadership of Anandiben the works continued to progress. Later Vijaybhai took hold and today we can see realization of the project. Narmada is distance away and Saurashtra is like a dish that has been put upside down. Chotila and Jasdan are on height and rest of Saurashtra is (topographically) at level down. This is the achievement for which each Gujarati has to take proud. Countrymen should see this skill of engineering and should be proud.”

The Prime Minister further said, “Farmer in any corner of country if gets water, he is able to convert soil into gold. This SAUNI scheme can yield gold and do good for all. How a river can uplift life, it is showcased by river Narmada. We should not waste this water. We initiated a movement of drip irrigation and sprinkler. Farmers were hesitant initially, but finally we did it. We need to further push this ahead. Water has to be saved because we have responsibility for upcoming generations. Past generations left water for us and we need to make sure that future generations get water.”

He said, “when I became Chief Minister, I told farmers that they should stop resisting for power supply. This path of agitating for power is wrong. Farmers need to focus on water and not power. In initial two-three years I couldn’t convince the farmers and even my own party people. But I was firm. Today with much satisfaction I want to congratulate the farmers of Gujarat that they accepted what I said. And they focused on water in last five-six years. They conserved water. Levels of water were going down, but that is no more a scenario here.”

“Just imagine 115 dams filled with water in Saurashtra. Prosperity would come this way, and not by throwing pieces to people. Throwing pieces to people would win election, but not country. It was our 15 years efforts after which sustained progress of Gujarat has been achieved. Imagine this arrival of Narmada water in addition to water management that has been achieved in this land thanks to which cotton yield is up by 370%, groundnut by 600% and wheat by 300%. When more water will be supplied, farmers would do much more,” he said.

“Now just imagine 115 dams filled with water in Saurashtra. Prosperity would come this way, and not by throwing pieces to people. Imagine this arrival of Narmada water in addition to water management that has been achieved in this land thanks to which cotton yield is up by 370%, groundnut by 600% and wheat by 300%. When more water will be supplied, farmers would do much more,” the PM said in his speech.

“Can you imagine that in arid Kutch where camels were carrying water for BSF jawans, water is now reaching upto Khavda. Border jawan was getting water only for drinking purpose, but now gets water to take bath also, and even agriculture has been possible” he said.

He said Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana by Government of India is inspired by SAUNI yojana.

DeshGujarat