Canal work progressing in full swing

Vyas said that seven rivers Sabarmati, Shedhi, Saidak, Mohar, Watrak, Meshwo and Khari would be crossing the main canal in Phase II construction work. This canal on Sabarmati river is the largest among all. The structure near Gandhinagar, is 614 meters wide of which 335 meters comes under river portion.

The structure can carry 31,135 cusec of water. Vyas that there would be nine barrels divided into three monoliths. The depth of the foundation is approximately 15 meters below the river bed.

To prevent water flowing into the construction work, large number of pumps are installed for pulling out the water. He said the government has planned to provide drinking water in Sabarkantha and North Gujarat region from Narmada Project by 2000 A.D. The up-streams three barrels work has been taken up on priority and is planned to be completed by December 1998 and the whole canal will be completed by June 1999. The minister informed about 46 per cent of concreting and 60 per cent of earth work have been completed so far.

He also said that the construction work of the Sardar Sarovar Project is not at standstill, but work of main canal, branches, structures as well as distribution network are in full swing.

He said when the construction of the dam was stopped in 1995, 80 per cent work was completed. The land acquisition work for the canal beyond Kadi in north Gujarat has been taken up and tenders have been invited for the same.

He said the construction of the main canal in Phase-I has been completed by about 99 per cent and branch canal works have been completed by about 80 per cent.

He said there would be about 516 crossing on the main canal which covers 166 drainage crossings, 14 canal siphons, five aqueducts, 252 road bridges, 17 railway crossings and 81 regulating structures.