Gandhinagar, May 05: In a letter to prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, chief minister Narendra Modi has requested him to direct the ministry of environment and forests to withdraw its order for formation of a committee to review the environmental steps taken under Sardar Sarovar Project.
The CM’s letter says that the decision of the ministry is not in accordance with the present provisions of the Narmada Yojana and the Supreme Court order of October 20, 2000. Modi handed over the letter to the prime minister late on Monday evening.
Modi’s letter says that after going through legal disputes and clearing many hurdles, the project has managed to set many benchmarks, thanks to a positive stand by the Government of India and the prime minister. Modi claimed every aspect regarding security had been properly taken care of and at the 48th meeting of environmental sub-group of Narmada Control Authority, presided over by secretary (ministry of environment and forests), the height of Sardar Sarovar Dam was fixed at 138 metre.
The chief minister said that the newly-formed committee may review the decisions taken by other central bodies in the past. The move would further complicate the matter and might have negative impact on the project. He said that there was no need to form an independent body as the Narmada Control Authority is capable enough to take any steps related to the project.
Modi also sought an early clearance to Rs39,240 crore (at 2008-09 prices) for Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP), as approved by the technical advisory committee of the union ministry of water resources on March 11, 2010.
Modi said the clearance was necessary to avail financial assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Projects Scheme (AIBP) and centrally-sponsored area development programme for early completion of the project.
—Agencies