THE SUPREME Court verdict allowing further construction of the multipurpose dam on river Narmada was predictably greeted with jubilation in Gujarat, the State which would be the greatest beneficiary by way of receiving water for irrigation and drinking.
For the ruling BJP, currently demoralised following a convincing defeat in last month's panchayat and civic polls, the apex court judgement couldn't have come at a more appropriate time as the State would have another round of elections to about 9,000
village panchayats and over 80 municipalities in the first week of December.
The verdict has also made irrelevant the statewide village bandh called today by Congress leader Sankersinh Vaghela in protest against the recently announced power tariff hike.
Soon after the State Cabinet was informed about the verdict by Narmada Development Minister Jay Narain Vyas from Delhi, the weekly meeting welcomed it and vowed to complete the project at a fast pace.
The entire Council of Ministers thereafter walked down to the lawns of the State Secretariat where an impromptu gathering of Government employees and children from the nearby schools were waiting for celebrations to begin.
Making what could be termed as the dream announcement by any Chief Minister of Gujarat, Keshubhai Patel told the enthusiastic audience that the verdict is not only vindication of the stand of the Gujarat Government, but a resounding victory for the 4.5
crore people of the State ever parched for water.
Assessing the popular mood, the Chief Minister announced a holiday for rest of the post-lunch session. Soon afterwards, the Ministers joined the crowd in bursting crackers and greeting one another. Sweets were also distributed in the offices.
Minister for Health Ashok Bhatt announced that Narmada Vijay Diwas would be celebrated all over Gujarat tomorrow with 'Maha Arati' in temples, distribution of sweets and burning of crackers.
Addressing newsmen at the weekly briefing later, Keshubhai Patel said that the work at the dam site can begin only after six or seven days as nearly four metres of water has to be released from the reservoir currently overflowing at 88 metres.
This would be done by opening the sluice gates at the bottom of the dam so that construction work could be started without any further delay, the Chief Minister added.
The Supreme Court verdict has also been welcomed by the people in general, and political parties and the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI). Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Amarsinh Chaudhary has said that the verdict would
help realise the dream of Sardar Patel that the thirsty people of Gujarat would get relief from long spells of droughts.
