19.3.15

Kalpsar project snippets


The detailed project report (DPR) on Gujarat Government's second most ambitious project Kalpsar, which entails a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat, after the Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam has been finalized by the state government after more than two decades. It is now -for the first time -sending it to the Government of India for environmental clearance.
Gujarat Government expects clearance from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government soon and hopes to start ground work in the next few months. For the first time, the state government has proposed a `Kalpsar Project Implementation and Regional Development Act (Bill)' for establishing the dam development authority and other agencies for development of around 2,000 sq km of reclaimed land (equivalent to Mumbai's geographical area). The state government has also finalized the structural design of the proposed dam and the regional development plan for the 2,000 sq km area.
A source close to the development said: “The long-awaited DPR has been finalized along with the final structural design and area development plan for around 2,000 sq km. We are sending it -for the first time -for environmental clearance from the Government of India.The state government has decided to take up the project in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, which will not cause a burden on the exchequer. On the contrary , it is expected to generate financial resources for the state.“
The state government has proposed the formation of `Kalpsar Board' under which Kalpsar Project Implementation Authority (KPIA) will develop the dam and Kalpsar Regional Development Authority (KRDA) will develop the reclaimed land.
“The defining terms of the regional development plan will include construction of the dam across the gulf, along with a road and railway . There will also be multiple utilities and services; creation of a fresh water reservoir; construction of Narmada diversion canal; recovery and value added development of tidal affected land peripheral to the fresh water reservoir; construction of irrigation canal network and command area development in coastal Saurashtra along with multiple ancillary development activities responsive to scoio economic imperatives,“ added the source.

A major barrage on the Narmada near Bhadbhut village near Bharuch, envisaged in 2009 to connect the industrial towns of Dahej and Hazira, is soon likely to be a reality as it is expected to get the environmental nod from the Centre.It is also considered a key component of the Kalpsar project.

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