Planning Commission approves revised investment for Sardar Sarovar dam

Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) Managing Director S Jagadeesan said the project authorities had submitted the investment estimates to the Central Water Commission (CWC),Ministry of Water Resources,in 2009.

He said the inflation over the last two years,coupled with environmental issues,have delayed the project.

“The major factors causing cost enhancement are inflation (58 per cent) and Liberal Rehabilitation and Resettlement policy (22 per cent). There is no change of scope or any parameter from the original proposal approved in 1988. This was taken up by Chief Minister Narendra Modi with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,and the Planning Commission,recently,” Jagadeesan said.

According to SSNNL,the CWC scrutinised the estimates and the technical advisory committee made its recommendations on March 19. After considering the same,the Planning Commission granted the revised investment on May 20.

“Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and Central financial assistance can now be availed,” he added.

The project is in consonance with the 11th Five Year Plan,according to SSNNL.

To expedite the process,the Nigam had invited third party for quality checks and contracts in March.

“Thirteen big construction players have been approached and ground work has already started in most projects. Once the third party involvement begins,the entire project management will be in place,” he said,adding that district-level committees will be formed later for quality checks.