Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Banaskantha district in north Gujarat on March 31 to inaugurate multiple development projects, including a major drinking water initiative for Ambaji town and surrounding tribal areas, according to an official statement released Friday. The Prime Minister is set to launch Part I and Part II of the Rs 141-crore Ambaji drinking water project, designed to benefit approximately 78,000 residents across 34 villages and Ambaji town.

The scheme targets villages in Danta and Amirgadh talukas, which have historically faced challenges in accessing reliable drinking water due to their hilly and rocky terrain, where many communities rely heavily on groundwater sources.

Officials from the Gujarat Water Supply Department said the project marks a major transition from groundwater dependence to a surface water-based system. This shift is expected to improve public health outcomes while ensuring consistent water availability for both residents and pilgrims visiting the Ambaji Temple, one of the region’s key religious sites. The infrastructure has been designed to meet current demands and anticipated future growth in the area.

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The Ambaji project is part of Gujarat’s broader strategy to strengthen water management and expand access under the ‘Statewide Water Supply Grid.’ The initiative has already laid over 3,300 km of bulk pipelines, providing surface water supply to more than 15,000 villages and 251 urban centres, benefiting an estimated five crore people across the state.

Officials highlighted that the state has significantly reduced its dependence on groundwater by implementing schemes sourced from rivers, canals, and reservoirs. With Phase II of the Jal Jeevan Mission underway, authorities aim to expedite water connectivity to the remaining rural areas. Additionally, a 24-hour rural helpline has been established to promptly address water-related grievances.

The inauguration of the Ambaji drinking water project is expected to provide long-term relief to residents and pilgrims, ensuring sustainable water supply while strengthening Gujarat’s ongoing infrastructure development and water security initiatives.

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