The told the house on Saturday that the estimate of Saurashtra-Narmada Avataran Irrigation Yojana (Sauni), which was given an in-principle sanction of Rs 10,000 crore, has been increased to Rs 18,563 crore.
Modhwadia sought an inquiry into the matter as the state finance department had issued a note stating that the SOR for the project was not as per the rules. He stated that the tenders invited for the project were at 45% higher rate.
Stating that there was no need for an inquiry, Patel said that during a survey it was found that more pipes were required and hence the project cost was increased. The government said that the rates were fixed as per the SOR (system of record) of 2011-12.
The government also stated that the right of way and the cost of electricity connection were not taken into account in the primary approval. These were included in the secondary approval given in 2018.