Over 5,900 km of Canals Yet to be Built Under Sardar Sarovar Narmada Project: Gujarat CM

Gandhinagar, March 7 – Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel informed the state assembly that more than 5,900 km of canals are yet to be constructed under the Sardar Sarovar Narmada project. Patel, who also oversees the Narmada portfolio, disclosed this while responding to a written query by Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Amit Chavda during the Question Hour of the Budget session.

According to Patel’s written response, a total of 5,921.24 km of canal construction remains incomplete. The 458.32 km-long main canal has already been fully constructed. Other completed infrastructure includes the Garudeshwar weir, a high-level bridge at Gora village, pumping stations, small hydropower plants on branch canals, and a solar power plant on the Vadodara branch canal.

Highlighting the remaining work, Patel stated that as of January 2025, the pending construction includes:

• 46.13 km of branch canals
• 159.70 km of distributaries
• 1,052.26 km of minor canals
• 4,663.14 km of sub-minor canals

The chief minister assured the House that efforts are being made to complete the pending minor canal work at the earliest. However, he noted that the process depends on land acquisition and approvals from various departments, as the canals intersect with existing oil pipelines and power lines.

Regarding sub-minor canals, Patel emphasized that their construction is carried out in collaboration with farmers. Consequently, the remaining work will be executed in phases, after securing permissions from cultivators in the command area.

The Sardar Sarovar Narmada project is crucial for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, benefiting millions in Gujarat and neighboring states. The completion of the canal network remains a key priority for the state government.