In a major boost to Gujarat, an environmental sub-committee of the Narmada Control Authority (NCA) has cleared raising of dam height from present 121.92 meters to 138.64 meters.

However, sources in the state government said though getting clearance from the environmental sub committee is a big step, but the main hurdle is to get the final clearance for raising the dam height from the NCA itself.

"The meeting of the environmental sub-group of NCA was held yesterday in New Delhi where it cleared the decks in favour of the state," state government sources said.

The height of the dam at present is 121.92 meters.

Now, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited has to install radial gates on the dam to take its height to 138.64 meters.

Narmada dam has come a long way after its foundation stone was laid way back in 1961. The dam had to face environmental and legal problems due to which its construction was delayed.