CM Bhupendra Patel Provides Lift Irrigation Facility to Over 53,500 Acres in 73 Tribal Villages

Surat, March 2026 : Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Ukai reservoir-based Tapi–Karjan Link Pipeline Lift Irrigation Scheme, which supplies water to the farms of tribal farmers in Umarpada taluka of Surat district and Dediapada taluka of Narmada district.

The project will provide irrigation facilities to 53,750 acres of land across 73 tribal villages. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the extension of the scheme, which will be implemented at a cost of ₹210 crore to provide irrigation to 19,150 acres of land in 29 villages of Umarpada.

Addressing the gathering, CM Patel urged tribal regions to take the lead in building a Developed Gujarat in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047.”

The Ukai reservoir-based lift irrigation scheme, constructed at a cost of ₹651.08 crore, lifts water through pipelines to tribal areas for irrigation. The extension project, costing ₹208.51 crore, will further expand irrigation coverage to 19,141 acres of farmland in Umarpada taluka.

In the presence of Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai, Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel, Minister of State for Water Supply and Water Resources Ishwarsinh Patel, and Members of Parliament, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 12 development projects worth ₹126 crore in Surat district. Benefits including forest rights certificates, PMAY housing assistance, warehouse support, and tractor assistance were distributed to eligible tribal beneficiaries.

Development Focused on the Last Person

CM Patel said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of development politics has begun, focusing on bringing even the smallest and most marginalized individuals into the mainstream of development. Every development scheme prioritizes the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He noted that the lift irrigation project uses advanced engineering to pump water through pipelines to tribal villages located at elevations equivalent to 87 floors, enabling irrigation in previously water-scarce areas.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, launched to provide education, healthcare, roads, housing, electricity, and water facilities across the tribal belt from Ambaji to Umargam.

He further noted that Prime Minister Modi recently announced a ₹2 lakh crore “Janajatiya Kalyan Yojana” for the holistic development of tribal regions for the next five years, with an annual allocation of ₹35,000 crore to accelerate development in education, healthcare, roads, and infrastructure.

Government Committed to Tribal Development

Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel said the state government is committed to delivering water “from tap to home and from water source to farm.” Through engineering solutions such as lift irrigation, water is being supplied to previously neglected remote areas, enabling farmers to grow crops throughout the year.

Minister of State for Water Resources Ishwarsinh Patel said that despite heavy rainfall, farmers in Umarpada and Dediapada faced water shortages for winter and summer crops due to the elevated terrain. The new project resolves this long-standing irrigation problem.

He added that the state has constructed 14,756 small check dams benefiting 1.52 lakh acres, while 735 large check dams provide irrigation to 80,500 acres. Around 3,500 ponds have been deepened to ensure water availability for farmers.

Work is also underway on a ₹912 crore lift pipeline project covering Songadh, Uchchhal, Nizar, and Kukarmunda talukas, which will benefit 69,000 acres of land and 14,117 families.

Boost for Farmers and Tribal Economy

MP Prabhubhai Vasava said the government has consistently worked for tribal farmers. With improved irrigation facilities, farmers will be able to grow multiple crops, vegetables, and fruits, leading to economic prosperity.

MLA Ganpatsinh Vasava said the Tapi–Karjan link pipeline irrigation project has brought a new dawn for tribal families in Umarpada and Dediapada, ensuring irrigation water reaches remote hilly and forest villages.

The event was attended by MPs, MLAs, senior officials, irrigation department officers, tribal farmers, and local residents.