North Gujarat to Benefit from New Matpur-Brahmanwada Lift Irrigation Scheme

Mehsana, Gujarat — In a major boost to agricultural infrastructure, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Matpur-Brahmanwada Lift Irrigation Scheme on Thursday. Built at a cost of Rs 67.69 crore, the scheme aims to substantially improve irrigation facilities for farmers in North Gujarat. The scheme involves a distribution pipeline network of 11.70 km, which will fill ponds in nine villages, augmenting local irrigation and recharging groundwater.

During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the state government's forward-looking approach to development projects. "Our action plans are designed with the future in mind," Patel said. He also highlighted the state's ambitious plans to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district for water harvesting. Patel urged citizens to limit the use of single-use plastic and highlighted the importance of the nationwide 'Mission Life' campaign, spearheaded by the Prime Minister.

Multiple Initiatives in a Single Ceremony

Alongside the irrigation project, the Chief Minister e-dedicated the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Town Hall in Unjha, built at a cost of Rs 8 crore. Social organizations present at the event took the opportunity to honor the Chief Minister.

Health Minister Hrishikesh Patel was also present at the occasion, and he stressed the project's significance: "Mother Narmada has descended on this land with this Rs 69 crore ambitious scheme." The Minister also credited the Prime Minister for his role in turning North Gujarat into 'Uttam Gujarat,' noting ongoing initiatives like the Sujalam Suflam scheme aimed at elevating the ground level through the construction of river barrages.

Expanding Irrigation and Water Harvesting

Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya explained the government's commitment to making water accessible in remote areas. "The government is steadfast in realizing the motto 'Har Khet ko Pani, Har Hath ko Kaam' (Water for Every Field, Work for Every Hand)," he said. Bavaliya added that the scheme would benefit farmers in Unjha, Visnagar, and Patan tehsils of the Mehsana district.

The Minister also updated farmers on the Gujarat Promotion Scheme under the Atal Ground Water Scheme. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of this to enrich their farming practices through micro-irrigation. In a noteworthy move, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed to abolish the three-kilometer limit for filling village ponds from the Narmada Canal, thus enabling even distant villages to benefit from the scheme.

A Long-Term Vision for Water Resources

Special Secretary of the Water Resources Department, K.B. Rabadia, provided more details about the project, stating that excess floodwater from the Narmada River would be redirected into major reservoirs, rivers, and canals in North Gujarat for various purposes including irrigation and groundwater recharge.

With the inauguration of the Matpur-Brahmanwada Lift Irrigation Scheme, the Gujarat government reiterates its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and environmental conservation. The scheme is expected to provide a much-needed lifeline to the farmers of the drought-prone region.