Narmada Control Authority (NCA) has cleared the final raising of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat by lowering its gates and impounding water in the reservoir up to full level of 138.68 metres. The move aims at meeting water needs of drought-prone areas in the state and Rajasthan. <br/><br/>According to the Ministry of Water Resources, the decision was taken at the meeting of NCA which was held yesterday under the Chairmanship of Water Resources Secretary, Dr. Amarjit Singh. It said, with the lowering of gates of dam, its live storage capacity will increase from 1,565 to 5740 million cubic metres.<br/><br/>The decision would also help irrigate 8 lakh hectare of area, provide drinking water to one lakh people and increased hydro electricity generation by 150 mega watt to 1450 mega watt. The NCA permitted the dam's final raising following the procedure laid down by an apex court order.