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Sardar Sarovar to be completed in two years: Keshubhai

Gujarat Chief minister Keshubhai Patel said Friday the Sardar Sarovar dam will be constructed within the next two years with an additional expenditure of another Rs 100 billion, following clearance given by the Supreme Court.

Talking to newsmen in Poona, Patel said the height of the dam will be subsequently raised to 138 metres and the state government would see to it that there was no paucity of funds for completion of the mega project, "which will prove to be a lifeline for the perpetually drought affected regions of Gujarat."

Patel said the dam height will be raised to 90 metres within one and a half month and the entire government machinery had been galvanised to ensure that the project was completed in the quickest time.

On rehabilitation of the project affected people, Patel said the state government has purchased enough land to rehabilitate not only the project affected people of Gujarat but also some of the affected peoples of other states who may come to Gujarat.

About the project affected people of Madhya Pradesh, Patel said after the Supreme Court decision it was mandatory on part of the concerned state government to rehabilitate them.

Asked whether the Gujarat government will approach the World Bank or other international lending institutions for loans, Patel said, "We will find ways and means of mobilising resources and ensuring the dam is completed.

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