Narmada-Shipra link project will restore glory of Malwa region: Advani

Ujjain: Former Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advani has said that the country would have witnessed a revolutionary change had river-linking project been implemented during six-year term of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Fulfilling Shri Vajpayee’s dream, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has started process of linking Narmada with Kshipra river. The project will restore glory of Malwa region being water-rich. It will remove concern regarding water in Malwa region.
Shri Advani was addressing a massive public meeting at Ujjain today after laying foundation stone of Narmada-Kshipra Simhastha Link Project at originating place of Kshipra river at Ujjaini village in Indore district.
Shri Advani, whose birthday falls today as per Hindu calendar, seemed overwhelmed by Shri Chouhan’s efforts for his resolve to implement Naramada-Kshipra Simhastha Link Project. He said that Shri Chouhan has chalked out such schemes as a result of which he will get blessings of entire state’s people. The country will get rid of illiteracy and poverty if Chief Ministers of other states act like Chief Minister Shri Chouhan. He stressed the need for imparting computer education to children and youths in the state and country.
Lauding Shri Chouhan’s administrative ability and implementation of novel schemes by him, Shri Advani also praised his ability to take right decisions. Referring to achievements of six-year rule of Shri Vajpayee, he said that India conducted nuclear test as soon as he assumed charge of Prime Minister. The country had to face sanctions due to it. Despite this, Shri Vajpayee did not allow dearness to rise. Roads were constructed from east to west during his term. Most of villages were linked with Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna. River-link project was conceptualised during this very term. He said that Narmada-Kshipra Link Project will result into confluence of Narmada with Kshipra, Chambal, Yamuna and Ganga rivers. Farmers will face no water shortage.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that he will not allow fertile land of Malwa to dry up and will bring Narmada water here even if Rs. one lakh crore is spent instead of Rs. 18 thousand crore. He said that Khan river will also be diverted and its water will be taken in use only after treatment. He said that work should also be started to save Kshipra from pollution.
Shri Chouhan said that the project will make available water to 70 cities and 3000 villages of Malwa. Industries will get water and agriculture fields will be irrigated. Barrages will be constructed and sprinklers installed after linking rivers. He said that land of Malwa will not be allowed to become a desert. He said that every possible effort will be made to maintain greenery of Malwa land which grows yellow gold meaning thereby soyabean, wheat and grapes. Farmers from here will be sent to Israel to learn methods of irrigation.
Shri Chouhan said that like last years, farmers will be given Rs. 100 per quintal bonus on wheat procurement. He urged the Union Government to increase minimum support price of wheat upto Rs. 1600 per quintal. He said that feeder separation work is nearing completion. Farmers will start getting power as per their requirement from March next year. Referring to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Free Medicine Distribution Scheme, Mukhyamantri Teerth-Darshan Yojna and higher education loan guarantee scheme, Shri Chouhan said that welfare schemes have been chalked out for welfare of every section of society. Effective efforts are being made to ensure welfare of people and development of state. He said that Madhya Pradesh no longer lags behind other states in any sector.
Shri Chouhan said that no new liquor shop will be allowed to be opened in the state. Every citizen will have to discharge his duty.
Urban Administration & Development Minister Shri Babulal Gaur, Member of Parliament Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Shri Thawarchand Gehlot, Rajya Sabha member Shri Prabhat Jha, Shri Satyanarayan Sattan, former Union Minister Shri Satyanarayan Jatia and Member of Parliament Smt. Sumitra Mahajan also addressed the public meeting.
Former Chief Minister duo Shri Sundarlal Patwa and Shri Kailash Joshi, Commerce and Industries Minister Shri Kailash Vijawargiya, Food Minister Shri Paras Jain, Agriculture Minister Dr. Ramkrishna Kusmaria, local MLA and a large number of people were present on the occasion. Minister of State for Narmada Valley Development Shri Kanhaiyalal Agrawal proposed a vote of thanks.