Gujarat CM clears Rs 362 crore tribal road works, launches Rs 1,613 crore irrigation projects in Tapi
Gandhinagar, March 30
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Monday launched a series of infrastructure and irrigation projects aimed at improving access to basic services and agricultural support in Gujarat's tribal regions, covering road connectivity, public facilities, and large-scale water supply schemes.
The state government has sanctioned works worth Rs 362.57 crore under the 'Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana' to strengthen infrastructure across the tribal belt stretching from Ambaji to Umargam, a government statement said.
The approved package includes 293 projects, comprising 325.81 km of roads to connect tribal villages with schools and primary health centres, along with related structural construction works.
Officials said the decision was taken to prioritise the holistic development of tribal areas and to make basic facilities more accessible at the village level.
"The works were approved to ensure that essential services such as education and healthcare reach tribal communities easily and promptly under the scheme, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the statement said.
The government stated that the construction of new roads would make it easier for students to reach schools, while also providing faster access to nearby health centres for patients, particularly in situations of emergency.
In a separate development, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for irrigation projects worth over Rs 1,613 crore in the tribal areas of Tapi district.
The projects include works under the Ukai reservoir-based lift irrigation schemes covering Songadh, Uchchhal and Nizar, as well as the Bori Savar lift irrigation scheme based on the Tapi river.
"These projects will ensure irrigation facilities for about 78,500 acres of land across 165 villages in Songadh, Uchchhal, Nizar, Vyara and Kukarmunda talukas," officials said.
The state government added that it is committed to providing adequate water to tribal farmers in remote areas and to supporting their economic progress.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some concrete action for tribal areas! Connecting villages to schools and hospitals is so crucial. The road length mentioned seems good, but I hope they also maintain these roads after building them. That's often where projects fail.
Rs 1600+ crore for irrigation is a massive investment. Water security for farmers can boost the entire region's economy. Let's see if the benefits actually reach the small tribal farmers or just the bigger landholders. Transparency in execution is key.
As someone who has worked with NGOs in Gujarat, infrastructure is a huge gap in tribal regions. This sounds promising. The health centre access could significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates if implemented well. A much-needed initiative.
Good news before elections? 🤔 The intent is right, but we've seen many such announcements. The real test is on-ground delivery. Will the contractors use quality material? Will the water reach the tail-end fields? Time will tell. Hope for the best.
This is excellent! Development should reach everyone. Better roads mean children won't have to walk for hours to school, and sick people can get to a doctor faster. Irrigation means farmers won't be at the mercy of the rains. A step towards true 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.
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