The irrigation projects constructed in Gujarat could become model for other States to manage water resources, said President Ram Nath Kovind after laying the foundation stone of the Rs 1,700 crore Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojna link-4 Phase-2 at Ghela Somnath near Jasdan town in the Rajkot district on Monday.
Praising the Gujarat Government, the President said that the State has become inspiration in the entire nation for its economic and social development, said Kovind on his maiden visit to Gujarat for two days.
The President had earlier reached the Ghela-Somnath helipad by Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter from Gandhinagar. He was accompanied by Governor Om Prakash Kohli, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitinbhai Patel.
The SAUNI project is to fill up dams and reservoirs in the Saurashtra region. It is being implemented in phases, linking them with Narmada Canal Network, drawing water from the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) dam at Kevadia on River Narmada near MP border.
later on the President proceeded to offer prayers at the nearby Ghela Somnath Mahadev Temple. He was accompanied by his son Prashant Kovind. CM Rupani, his wife Anjaliben Rupani and Deputy CM Nitin Patel also offered prayer at the inner sacrosanct of lord Shiva, amidst chanting of Vedic hymns. The Ghela-Somnath Mahadev temple near Rajkot is the replica of Somnath Temple, one of the 12 famous Jyotirlingas, near Veraval facing the Arabian Sea.
Those present on the occasion included Union Minister Mansukh Mandviya, MP Shankarbhai Vegad, Devjibhai Fatepara, Energy Minister Chimanbhai Sapariya, MlAs Bhanuben Babariya and Govindbhai Patel, Municipal Finance Board Chairman Dhansukhbhai Bhanderi, Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board Vice-Chairman Rajubhai Dhruv and ex-MlA Bharatbhai Boghra.