Narmada dam work to begin on Oct 31

Later, Narmada Development Minister Jay Narayan Vyas told reporters that the work of raising the dam height from 85 metres to 90 metres was expected to be completed in two months. The government would then approach the Narmada Control Authority for permission to proceed further.

Vyas said funds were no constraint for the government. He explained that besides the budgetary allocations, the government hoped to get better response from financing agencies like the LIC, UTI, and banks in the changed situation. There was no need to approach the World Bank, he added.

The minister said that about Rs 10,500 crore had already been spent, and the government would need another Rs 10,000 crore to complete the entire project, including the proposed two river-bed power stations. Vyas did not foresee any serious problem from any of the three participatory States, or from the Narmada Bachao Andolan, as the SC verdict has left no room for any ambiguity.