Rs 238.88 billion projects for Kutch, Gujarat

The Gujarat government has cleared various development projects in the public and private sector worth Rs 238.88 billion for the Kutch district at its first-ever cabinet meeting at Bhuj on Friday.

Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela hoped that the projects would lead to the district's speedy and balanced development. He said that emphasis would be laid on power, industry, educational and irrigation projects.

Replying to a query on providing Narmada water to Kutch district through gravitational flow, the chief minister said a committee would be formed to look into the economic and technical aspects before taking a final decision on the issue.

Giving details of the projects, Vaghela said the cabinet has approved a 500 mega watt power project based on imported coal. The Rs 22 billion project would be located at Mundra.

The government also gave its nod for a tidal wave power generation project at Kandla and the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation's 175 mw lignite-based power project at Panandhro in the district.

Among the other projects sanctioned are: expansion of the Bhuj civil hospital, a private medical college, a university, a mining engineering college and a marine technology institute.

Vaghela said the cabinet has earmarked Rs 1.5 billion for the proposed Kutch Development Board to be approved by the Union government.

State Finance Minister Babubhai Shah said that Rs 150 million has been sanctioned for the completing the remaining 26-km Khavda Khadir section of Ghaduli-Santalpur desert highway.

UNI