Surat, March 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, officially launched the Tapi-Karjan Link Pipeline lift irrigation initiative on Saturday, which is anchored on the Ukai Reservoir. This project will facilitate water supply to 53,750 acres spanning 73 tribal villages in the Umarpada and Dediapada talukas of Surat and Narmada districts, respectively.

The primary goal of this initiative is to provide dependable irrigation to tribal farmers, thereby enhancing agricultural output.

During the inauguration, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for a Rs 210-crore expansion of the scheme, which is set to irrigate an additional 19,141 acres across 29 villages in the Umarpada region.

This lift irrigation scheme, established at a total cost of Rs 651.08 crore, utilizes pipelines to transport water from heights reaching up to 87 feet, effectively addressing geographical challenges to deliver water to remote tribal farmlands.

In his address, Chief Minister Patel underscored the significance of the project in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'Developed India @2047' and a 'Developed Gujarat'.

"The era of development politics, under Prime Minister Modi's guidance, brings the most marginalized individuals into the development fold. Every initiative focuses on the welfare of the smallest community members," he stated.

Moreover, the Chief Minister inaugurated 12 additional development projects valued at Rs 126 crore in Surat and distributed various benefits—including certificates under the Forest Rights Act, housing assistance from PMAY, storage support, and tractors—to tribal beneficiaries.

The Tribal Development Minister, Naresh Patel, reaffirmed the government's commitment to extending irrigation services to even the most isolated regions.

"From 'Nal Se Jal' to ensuring water access for fields, areas previously neglected are now benefiting from lift irrigation. When farmers have access to water throughout the year, agricultural productivity will rise, positively impacting the state’s economy," he explained.

Ishwarsinh Patel, the Minister of State for Water Supply and Water Resources, pointed out that villages in Umarpada and Dediapada, despite experiencing significant rainfall, struggled with water shortages for rabi and summer crops.

"Through strategic planning and engineering, we have tackled long-standing irrigation issues," he added.

Officials reported that the state has built 14,756 small check dams, which now irrigate 1.52 lakh acres, while 735 large check dams cater to 80,500 acres.

Additionally, 3,500 ponds have been deepened to secure water availability. A Rs 912-crore lift irrigation pipeline is also underway to serve remote areas of Songadh, Uchhal, Nizar, and Kukarmunda, benefiting 69,000 acres and 14,117 families.

To combat water scarcity in southern Gujarat, this year, Rs 522 crore is allocated for 249 check dams and weirs, projected to directly or indirectly benefit 16,990 acres.

MPs Prabhu Vasava and Mansukh Vasava commended the government's efforts in enhancing irrigation and agricultural prospects in tribal regions.

MLA Ganpatsinh Vasava remarked that this project would revolutionize agriculture in the remote hill and forest villages, ensuring water for irrigation while respecting the environment and local traditions.

The Chief Minister emphasized the contributions of the Vanbandhu Welfare Scheme in providing essential services such as education, healthcare, roads, housing, electricity, and water facilities throughout the tribal belt from Ambaji to Umargam.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Modi's recent announcement of a Rs two lakh crore Tribal Welfare Scheme over five years, aimed at the holistic development of tribal areas in Gujarat, with an annual budget of Rs 35,000 crore dedicated to education, health, roads, and infrastructure projects.