'Statue of Unity' will be a fitting tribute to Sardar Patel: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated world's second-biggest concrete gravity dam Sardar Sarovar in Narmada district's Kevadia, fifty-six years after its foundation stone was laid by the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Modi dedicated the Sardar Sarovar project to the nation after opening the 30 gates installed in it, which were closed following the directions of the Narmada Control Authority on June 17 this year. After the closure of the gates, the height of the dam was increased to 138 metres, with storage capacity raised to 4.73 million cubic metres (MCM) from the existing 1.27 million cubic metres. Earlier, the height of the dam was 121.92 metres.

Here are the LIVE updates: 

17 September 2017

13:16 IST

I had met Arjan Singh Ji, a few days back, the hero of 1965 war. Discipline was in his blood, I salute him: PM Modi. 

13:15 IST

We remember our freedom fighters from the tribal communities who gave a strong fight to colonialism: PM Modi. 

13:15 IST

We remember our freedom fighters from the tribal communities who gave a strong fight to colonialism: PM Modi

12:57 IST

The 'Statue of Unity' will be a fitting tribute to Sardar Patel and will draw tourists from all over: PM Modi

12:56 IST

We are working to overcome these shortages so that both parts of India development and India scales new heights of development: PM Modi

12:51 IST

The western part of India lacks adequate water supply, in the eastern part there is a shortage of electricity and gas supply: PM Modi. 

12:51 IST

The waters of Maa Narmada will help several citizens and transform several lives: PM Modi

12:50 IST

Farmers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will be benefitted with this project: PM Modi

12:46 IST

The saints and seers of Gujarat have played a very big role in the making of the Sardar Sarovar Dam as well: PM Modi. 

12:46 IST

I still remember, as CM when I went to border areas I saw BSF Jawans do not have water. We brought Narmada waters to borders for Jawans: PM Modi

12:45 IST

Lack of water resources has been a major factor in slowing the pace of development: PM Modi

12:43 IST

Sardar Sarovar Dam faced so many obstacles. But, we were determined that the project will go on: PM Modi

12:36 IST

We especially remember two people today, Sardar Patel and Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who as Minister gave great emphasis to irrigation & waterways: PM Modi

12:36 IST

Let us leave no stone unturned in creating a 'New India' by 2022, when we mark 75 years of India's freedom: PM Modi. 

12:35 IST

"Sardar Patel would be happy today...imagine his vision that he envisioned this Dam to help farmers and citizens", PM Modi at the rally. 

12:33 IST

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said that Sardar Sarovar Dam will bring drinking water to 4 crore people, income of farmers to double by 2022. 

12:32 IST

There is a Jan Sagar here in Dabhoi and this shows the respect people have for Maa Narmada:  PM Modi

12:31 IST

I salute all those working hard to build our nation, said PM Modi. 

12:28 IST

"Today, on the occasion of 'Vishwakarma Jayanti', we dedicate to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam", PM Modi said while addressing the rally. 

12:08 IST

Gujarat: PM Modi to address a public rally in Dabhoi shortly; Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani & Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also present. pic.twitter.com/qtjIl72RPl

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2017

12:07 IST

To take part in the closing ceremony of the Narmada Mahotsav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Dabhoi. He is expected to address a public meeting.

12:07 IST

#Gujarat: PM Modi reviews construction work of Statue of Unity in Kevadia pic.twitter.com/j4DGu9jujh

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2017

12:06 IST

After inaugurating Sardar Sarovar Dam, PM Modi reviews construction work of Statue of Unity in Kevadia. 

11:12 IST

According to Gujarat CM Rupani, over 18 lakh hectares of land in the state would be benefitted with irrigation as Narmada water will flow to over 9,000 villages of Gujarat through a canal network.

11:12 IST

The dam will irrigate 2,46,000 hectares of land in the strategically important desert districts of Barmer and Jalore in Rajasthan, and 37,500 hectares in the tribal hilly tract of Maharashtra.

11:11 IST

- Fifty-seven percent of the electricity produced from the dam goes to Maharashtra, while Madhya Pradesh gets 27 per cent and 16 per cent goes to Gujarat.

11:10 IST

The power generated from the dam would be shared among three states -- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

11:09 IST

Gujarat: Visuals of the #SardarSarovarDam pic.twitter.com/sec9ZZEAT2

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2017

11:04 IST

#FLASH Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates #SardarSarovarDam pic.twitter.com/K2GMfkvrYA

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2017

11:04 IST

Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi at inauguration ceremony of #SardarSarovarDam in Kevadia pic.twitter.com/C07I8cU6PQ

— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2017

11:02 IST

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was present at the event.  A ‘maha-aarti’was also performed after the inauguration of world's second biggest dam, TV reports claimed. 

11:01 IST

Prime Minister Modi will now head towards ‘Statue of Unity’ and will review the work being carried out there.

11:01 IST

The project will benefit Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.