Even after twenty years and Rs 216.50 crore later, the feasibility report of the state government’s Kalpsar project is still not ready. The state government told the assembly that the feasibility report is expected to be ready by the end of 2022 which will be added to the cost later. The government had approved only Rs 84 crore for the feasibility report in the year 2003 but the cost has increased three times from the actual estimate.
The project was to provide irrigation to over 11 lakh hectares in Saurashtra has been stagnant for several years now, even the Narmada canal network has reached many places. The idea of former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, the Kalpasar project was estimated to cost Rs 3819.84 crore. Barrages were to be constructed but so far the government has managed to work on just one – The bhadbhoot barrage. It is supposed to be completed by October 2024 and the state has so far spent Rs 86.96 crore on it.
This information was provided in response to a question raised by several Congress MLAs. In order to mock the state’s reply, Congress deputy leader Shailesh Parmar said that if it takes the state 20 years to prepare DPR it is anyone’s guess the time it will take to complete the project. The project focuses on turning saline water into the type that is used for irrigation. Besides 1.20 lakh hectares of land is to be reclaimed for the project on which they plan to develop wind and solar power projects. The project had a sea route between South Gujarat and Saurashtra planned to reduce the distance by 136 km. The project will promote tourism in the state as well. 16 MLAs complained of protocol violations at government functions. Congress MLAs are not given due respect in government functions, and warrant of precedence norms are violated, stated the opposition.
In the last two years 16 such complaints were filed by the government and concerned authorities were warned about it, the state informed the assembly. Many Congress MLAs also protested against the government regarding the same and said it showcased the ruling party’s disrespect for the Congress MLAs. BJP MLA and former minister Kunwarji Bavaliya too complained about it and even wrote a letter to Botad collector to follow government protocol.
GSRTC owes the state Rs 3,770 crore. The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) owes Rs 3770.97 crore to the government including Rs 3525.16 crore for pending loans, Rs 206.25 crore for pending passengers tax, and Rs 39.56 crore towards motor vehicle tax.