Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the Late Gajendra Datt Naithani-Suryadhar reservoir on the outskirts of Dehradun on Sunday. Built at a cost of Rs 50.25 crore and with a capacity of 77,000 cubic metres, this reservoir is 550 metres long, 28 metres wide and 10 metres deep. In addition to boating in the reservoir, the CM also dispersed fish eggs in the lake which is one of Rawat’s dream projects.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that there is a long term vision behind this project along with a major purpose and message. The purpose of making this lake is not just supplying drinking water and irrigation as it will achieve bigger results. It will recharge water sources and improve the eco-system. The State government is attempting to make this area a better destination for tourism in the coming times. This will also facilitate increased employment opportunities in the area in the future. He said, “This reservoir will facilitate gravity based water supply to 18 villages along with irrigation for 1,247 hectare area. Due to this reservoir, the per capita per day water availability for the 30,000 population in the area will increase from 40 litres to 100 litres. Attempts will also be made to develop water sports at Suryadhar.”
Rawat further said that the reservoir had been named after the Late Gajendra Datt Naithani recalling that he had dedicated his entire life to social service. Connected to the ideology of the RSS, Naithani’s sole aim was to serve the society.
Speaking about the Doiwala region he said that development is taking place swiftly here with CIPET established and national law university being made at Ranipokhri. A multispeciality hospital for mothers and children is being built at Harrawala while a science college will also be built at a cost of Rs 400 crore. Research will also take place in the college which will be built on 35-40 hectare land which has been identified for the purpose. Scientists from across India and abroad will come here as visiting professors, making the college an achievement for the state and nation. Rawat further informed that work is also being undertaken on two important projects- Song dam in Dehradun district and Jamrani dam in Nainital district. The Song dam will facilitate gravity based drinking water supply for 60-65 years to Dehradun and its nearby areas. It will also save electricity worth more than Rs 100 crore. With forest clearance being received for Song dam, the government is attempting to lay its foundation by March 2021.
