When World Bank refused to give us funds, temples of Gujarat offered money for Sardar Sarovar Dam: PM Modi

Dabhoi, September 17: After dedicating Sardar Sarovar Dam to the nation Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a gathering in Dabhoi at the closing ceremony of ‘Narmada Mahotsav’ where he said saints and seers of Gujarat have played a very big role in the making of this massive project. “When the World Bank refused to give us funds, it was the temples of Gujarat that offered money,” PM Modi added.

 

While speaking on this occasion, PM Modi reiterated saying, “let us leave no stone unturned in creating a 'New India' by 2022, when we mark 75 years of India's freedom.” “We specially remember two people today, Sardar Patel and Dr. Ambedkar, who as Minister gave great emphasis to irrigation and waterways,” PM Modi noted.

He also state that despite many obstacles, including World Bank’s refusal in financing the project, political issues etc the dam was constructed. Remembering his visit to border areas when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi said, “I still remember, as chief minister when I went to border areas I saw BSF jawans do not have water. We brought Narmada waters to borders for jawans.”

The Prime Minister also emphasized on the importance of water by saying lack of water resources has been a major factor in slowing the pace of development. “Sardar Sarovar Dam project will change the fortunes of the farmers of not only Gujarat, but Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as well,” PM Modi said.

Bowing his head down PM Modi said the waters of Maa Narmada will help several citizens and transform several lives. “The western part of India lacks adequate water supply, in the eastern part there is shortage of electricity and gas supply. We are working to overcome these shortages so that both parts of India development and India scales new heights of development,” he said.

“The 'Statue of Unity' will be a fitting tribute to Sardar Patel and will draw tourists from all over. It will be double the height of America's famed Statue of Liberty,” PM Modi concluded. Earlier, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the National Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum during the event.

Later PM Modi visited Amreli and also inaugurated a new market yard of APMC, new plants of Amar Dairy, and laid the foundation stone of a honey production centre. He also addressed a Sahakar Sammelan at Amreli.

On this occasion, PM Modi said the cooperative sector here is seeing effective changes and happy to see younger people coming to the fore and taking leadership. “The e-NAM Yojana is helping farmers and giving them access to better markets,” he added.

The Prime Minister further said that the blue revolution and sweet revolution have the potential to transform lives of people in Saurashtra. PM Modi further urged the farming communities of Gujarat to explore opportunities relating to timber.