The Planning Commission has approved a revised estimate of Rs. 2,481.49 crore for the Narmada Canal Project in Rajasthan against Rs.1,541.36 crore sanctioned earlier. With this endorsement, work relating to the canal – which enters the State from neighbouring Gujarat – is expected to be completed at a faster pace.
According to an official release here on Monday, the allocation of more funds would facilitate the application of sprinkler irrigation system in an area measuring 2.46 lakh hectares under the ambitious project for the first time. The State government will lay ground pipelines deep inside the agricultural fields for the purpose.
The release said the State government had made concerted efforts during the last few months for getting the Planning Commission's approval for the revised estimate.
The length of the main Narmada canal constructed in Rajasthan is 74 km. Besides, distributaries and minor canals of the length of 1,719 km are being constructed in the canal's command area and intensive plantation on the canal banks is underway.
The release pointed out that the canal would also supply drinking water to 1,336 villages in Barmer and Jalore districts and Jalore, Sanchore and Bhinmal towns. The project is likely to be completed by March 2013.