Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 27 August drew a pointed historical arc around the Narmada project, noting that its foundation stone was laid by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, while its gates were finally opened only after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. Shah made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of the Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar at Dudhala in Amreli district, Gujarat.

Shah's Remarks on the Narmada Project

Speaking at the event, Shah underscored the decades-long journey of the Narmada project before its water could reach large parts of Gujarat. 'The foundation stone of the Narmada project was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964. I was also born in 1964. Its gates were opened when Narendra Bhai became Prime Minister,' Shah said.

He noted that Narmada water was subsequently extended across Saurashtra and Kutch, reaching as far as Khavda. Shah also highlighted the Sauni Yojana, under which surplus Narmada water was channelled into dams and rivers across Saurashtra, helping ease chronic water stress in the region.

Modi's Water Conservation Record as Chief Minister

Shah recalled the severe drought years of 1985, 1986, and 1987, describing the acute water scarcity and relief operations of that era. He credited Modi's tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, beginning in 2001, with transforming the state's water management landscape.

'In 2003, Narendra Modi worked to construct 1.5 lakh check dams in a single year,' Shah said. He also referenced the filling of thousands of lakes, the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana in North Gujarat, and the adoption of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. The Centre's Catch the Rain campaign and the creation of the Ministry of Jal Shakti after Modi became Prime Minister were cited as further evidence of institutional focus on water conservation.

Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar: Key Details

The Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar, inaugurated at Dudhala in Amreli, is a 21-acre lake measuring 360 metres in length, 260 metres in width, and four metres in depth. The project was conceived and executed by the Harikrishna Foundation, led by its founder Savjibhai Dholakia, who had reportedly shared the plan with Shah two years ago.

Shah said Dholakia informed him that groundwater levels in the surrounding area had risen and dormant wells had been revived following the conservation work. The foundation has also reportedly contributed to the revival of the Gagadiya river and the construction of 208 lakes in the region.

Broader Impact and What Comes Next

Shah linked Gujarat's sustained water conservation drive — spanning check dams, lake construction, and canal schemes — to a measurable reduction in drought conditions across the state. He expressed confidence that philanthropic and community-led initiatives like the Gujarat Gaurav Sarovar would inspire wider collective action across Saurashtra and Gujarat.

'Those whom God has blessed will certainly come forward among the people to spend for saving water. They will also be inspired, and people will take forward collective water conservation works,' Shah said. The inauguration signals continued political and private-sector momentum behind Gujarat's water security agenda as groundwater stress remains a long-term concern for the region.