Sleemanabad irrigation tunnel project to be lifeline for several districts in Vindhya region: MP CM

Bhopal, Jul 17 (PTI) The Sleemanabad tunnel will majorly address the issue of water scarcity in Vindhya region and prove to be a lifeline for Katni, Rewa, Satna, Maihar and Panna districts, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Friday. After inspecting the approximately 12 km long tunnel, which is India's longest irrigation tunnel, Yadav, in an official release, said the Narmada River flows into the Gulf of Khambhat, but it is a miracle of science that through this historic tunnel, Mother Narmada will bring greenery to the region around the Son River in the Ganga Basin. "Vindhya region is rich in all kinds of resources, but some areas face water scarcity. The Sleemanabad Tunnel will be a lifeline for Katni, Rewa, Satna, Maihar and Panna districts and will provide irrigation facility to a total of 2.5 lakh hectares in Chitrakoot region. This will solve the drinking water problem. Electricity will also be generated in many places," he said. The project will play a decisive role in fulfilling the state's commitment to increase irrigation area, Yadav said while expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the tunnel project. Out of the total cost of Rs 1600 crore, the Union government contributed approximately Rs 275 crore, the CM pointed out. "Today, thanks to the commitment of the state government, this challenging tunnel project is moving towards completion. This tunnel is a boon for farmers and businessmen of the region. This approximately 12 kilometre long project will prove to be a case study in the field of engineering in the future," he said. Even in the event of a severe earthquake, the tunnel, the depth of which reaches 120 feet at some places, will remain safe for 100 years, Yadav added. "There was a time when it seemed impossible to complete the tunnel. But when the resolve is strong and the work is done with a pure heart, success is certain. Despite repeated challenges posed by difficult rocks, the entire team worked with determination to complete the tunnel," the CM said. The Sleemanabad tunnel project is a major gift for Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand, and the irrigation department has performed commendable work under challenging circumstances, he said. Urging farmers not sell their land at any cost, Yadav said the region will soon surpass Punjab and Haryana in the future and be a hub of economic prosperity. Yadav said the area under irrigation in MP at one time was 7.5 lakh hectares, which rose to 44 lakh hectares under the BJP government. It has increased to 65 lakh hectares in the last two-and-half years, he added. PTI MAS BNM