Ahmedabad, March 15 (NationPress) On Sunday, two tribal districts in Gujarat's eastern region witnessed the launch of development initiatives valued at approximately Rs 1,100 crore. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various projects in Panchmahal and Dahod districts.

The initiatives encompassed irrigation projects, infrastructure development, and enhancements in health, education, and water supply, with the state government emphasizing the objective of fortifying progress in tribal areas throughout the eastern segment of the state.

During the event, CM Patel highlighted the developmental vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for tribal populations.

"The Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritize marginalized groups and ensure comprehensive development for tribal communities is being realized here in Gujarat," stated the Chief Minister.

Officials reported that projects worth Rs 732 crore encompassing 112 initiatives were launched in Panchmahal, while Dahod saw the initiation of projects valued at Rs 367 crore, involving over 1,200 works.

A prominent project inaugurated during this visit was a lift irrigation pipeline scheme, which is valued at around Rs 406 crore. This scheme is designed to transport water from the Panam Reservoir to 130 ponds in 79 villages across the talukas of Shehera, Godhra, Kalol, and Ghoghamba in Panchmahal.

According to officials, this project will provide irrigation facilities for approximately 86,000 hectares of farmland.

Water will be lifted from a height of 236 feet from the reservoir and distributed through a pipeline network extending about 205 kilometers.

While addressing the audience, Patel underscored the importance of water availability for development, noting that irrigation infrastructure in the tribal regions has seen substantial growth in recent years.

"From Ambaji to Umargam, irrigation facilities have facilitated water supply to 2.23 lakh acres of land through 11 lift irrigation schemes with an investment of Rs 3,160 crore," he added.

He also mentioned the state government's budgetary commitments to this sector, stating, "In this year’s landmark budget of Rs 4.08 lakh crore, an allocation of Rs 485 crore has been made for lift irrigation to enhance irrigation facilities in tribal regions."

Furthermore, the Chief Minister indicated that irrigation coverage would also be broadened through Narmada-based lift irrigation projects across three tribal districts.

These projects aim to deliver irrigation support to farmers on 51,480 hectares of land across 18 talukas in Panchmahal, Dahod, and Chhota Udepur districts.

Patel urged that Dahod, recognized as an aspirational district by the Prime Minister, should strive to transform into what he termed an “inspirational district”, contributing towards the vision of a developed Gujarat as part of a developed India.