The proposal to lay underground pipeline network for 54 talukas was approved here today at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
"Earlier, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNL) made a proposal to lay pipelines instead of building sub-minor canals to fetch Naramda waters into the fields for irrigation. Today, the state cabinet approved that proposal," said Gujarat government spokesperson Nitin Patel said after the cabinet meeting.
"Sub-minor canals have a width of around one feet. We found that these canals tends to break frequently, as tractors and other vehicles pass. These canals also obstruct movement of farmers as well as vehicles. An underground pipeline will prove more practical and reliable," Patel said.
In the first phase, the pipeline network would irrigate 5 lakh hectare of land in 54 talukas in Gujarat.
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After completion of the first phase within the next three to four months, other talukas would be added in subsequent phases, the minister said.
He said this would save the government the hassle of acquiring land for canals as well as speed up the work which has been pending for several years.