Check dam
In its desperation to get water to the region and its people, the government is up to various schemes. One project is to raise the height of the Narmada dam by another 10 metres to 110. The Gujarat government claims the extra water stored will serve Saurashtra's needs. Not surprisingly, almost every Saurashtrian supports the project, and is least concerned about the needs of those affected by the dam project -- the tribals who have abandoned their villages before they get submerged by the rising water.

"We do want the government to look after the tribals' needs and rehabilitate them, but the dam height must be raised," said Girsh Bhimani, a professor at Saurashtra university.

Other projects involve creating khet talav (farm lakes) and check dams across all major and minor rives of the region (see picture). But check dams are expensive and often affect farmers who downstream. In fact, a check dam across a small river in Amreli was stopped because the famers affected demanded very high compensation; but with Amreli reeling under a sever water shortage, the BJP's incumbent Lok Sabha representative is finding his re-election chances in jeopardy.

Clearly, the need for water and more water will dominate the agenda of the next government.

Also see: The Congress' Sonrise