Ahmedabad, March 27 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Thursday described the completion of the 458-km main canal of the Narmada project as a historic occasion, with the river’s water flowing into Rajasthan and bringing a dream into reality. Performing Narmada jal puja or worship of the water at Tharad in Banaskantha district of north Gujarat, Modi said: “The long cherished dream of the people of the state has been realised.”

It was the firm conviction of the people of the state for development and progress that saw them through this achievement despite strong obstacles and challenges from certain quarters, he said.

“My dream is to see barren lands of Kutch and Saurashtra and north Gujarat turn green. The water of Narmada has journeyed the length and breadth of Gujarat and now has come to quench the thirst of the people of Rajasthan,” he said.

Sardar Sarovar Nigam chairman P.K. Laheri said: “The Narmada water has begun flowing into Rajasthan.”