Mehsana, April 15 (IANS) Narmada canal irrigation reaching agricultural fields in Mehsana district and ongoing infrastructure expansion across Gujarat formed the central focus of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s address at public meetings on Wednesday.​

Addressing ‘Vikas Sankalp Sabhas’ held in the run-up to local self-government elections, Patel said the extension of irrigation water to fields marked a significant change for a region that had earlier faced groundwater constraints.​

“The Narmada canals have today delivered water to the fields of Mehsana district, which is the result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong resolve,” he said, recalling that the area was once classified as a dark zone where permissions for borewells were restricted.​

Highlighting Gujarat’s economic trajectory, Patel said the state’s financial allocation had grown substantially over the years.​

“The state budget has increased from Rs 30,000 crore to Rs four lakh crore, reflecting the pace of Gujarat’s development,” he stated.​

The Chief Minister also referred to planned connectivity projects, including an eight-lane road between Mehsana and Adalaj, saying it would play a key role in strengthening regional development and improving transport infrastructure.​

Outlining welfare measures for the agriculture sector, Patel cited schemes such as soil health cards, micro-irrigation systems, water conservation initiatives, the Jyotigram programme, livestock health camps, dairy development support and the Kisan Credit Card scheme.​

He also noted that farmers were receiving subsidies of up to Rs one lakh for tractor purchases.​

On water conservation, he said the government’s “Catch the Rain” campaign had allocated Rs 50 lakh to each Member of the Legislative Assembly to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.​

In the health sector, he said Ayushman Bharat cards provided cashless treatment coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh.​

Patel also pointed to industrial growth in the state, stating that the number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had risen from 1.83 lakh units to 27 lakh units, contributing to the employment generation.​

Commenting on party organisation, he said BJP workers remained continuously engaged with the public beyond election periods.​

“A BJP worker remains among the people throughout the year, whereas other parties are visible only during elections,” he said.​

He also congratulated the unopposed election of 28 members of the Kadi municipality in the local body polls.​

–IANS

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