Chalo Taluke - Gujarat Information Bureau

October, 2011
by V N Bala
Book Review
of Gujarat state, it is documented that
several policy reforms securing the
water future of Gujarat state were
ardar Sarovar Project on considered. Introduction of Gujarat
River Narmada edited by R participatory irrigation management
SP a r t h a s a r t h y a n d R H
act
Sardar Sarovar Project
on River Narmada
(2007) can be considered as a
Dholakia has been written in 3-volumes unique initiative. Further, authors are of
and published by CEPT University the opinion that modernisation of water
Press Ahmedabad in March 2011. infrastructures and public-private
These volumes are culmination of partnership in project cost sharing
papers on Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) could be possible future goals of SSP.
presented during 3-workshops held at Since agriculture will remain a major
Ahmedabad during year's mid-2010 water user, successful strategies and
and early 2011. These papers cover a methods on efficient water use,
long-long journey that the SSP has including field micro-irrigation
undergone during 65 years of project techniques are also being introduced
implementation from project design, slowly.
planning and appraisal (vol 1); to A significant rise in farmer's income
rehabilitation efforts and project has been reported during field based
implementation (vol 2); to socio- surveys with the analysis of parameters
economic impacts for state of Gujarat such as irrigation efficiency and water
(vol 3) so far. This book aims to availability. SSP water is being used for
highlight the economic benefits that the domestic drinking water supply in
SSP has offered till now, learning from ULBs while it still faces challenges in
the mistakes committed and the way the future due to high amount of nonforward
in realizing future potential in revenue water. Public Private
contributing to growth of Gujarat state. Partnership (PPP) model holds future
This book has been written from the potential not only on canal construction
view point on creating awareness but also for water distribution, network
among public and practitioners, laying and operation & maintenance.
documenting innovative engineering Although a few hiccups have been
structures and sharing personal reported, SSP remains an innovative
experiences during various stages of experimental turf to test either the
project implementation. SSP has been a controlled volume concept (CVC) or
mega-project, as is evident with remote monitoring and control system
gigantic engineering structures as well to meet operational requirements.
enormous financial challenges during In spite of its enormous challenges,
implementation. Authors have nicely publication. The R&R aspect, as per my SSP has proved to be a boon to several
described those challenges leading opinion, was dealt much in scientific water scarce areas of Gujarat. This book
t o w a r d s n o t j u s t e c o n o m i c manner. I think it may be first time in is a must read, since it has an economist
liberalisation, but also allowing private India that a compensation principle writing on water issues with a
participation in engineering designs. based on Kaldor-Hicks theory was used management perspective.
The book aims to clarify on some of as basis for R&R of the project affected
the apprehensions that have surrounded people.
some of the R&R issues through this Since SSP is considered the lifeline
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