Gujarat’s Oldest Dam: Paneliya Dam Near Rajkot

Gujarat is home to many important dams. Among them, the Paneliya Dam is the oldest. It is located near Kotda village in Rajkot district. This dam is built on the Sukhabhadhar River. The dam is 640 meters long and 11 meters high. It has a catchment area of 25.90 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 3.44 million cubic meters.

In the last two years, Gujarat has spent ₹699 crore on the maintenance of various dams. This includes repairs and safety measures. The government plans to invest an additional ₹501 crore this year. This money will be used to improve other dams in the state.

The Department of Water Resources manages a total of 1,115 dams in Gujarat. This includes 19 large, 90 medium, and 1,006 small dams. Among these, 524 are categorized as ‘specialized dams’ under the Dam Safety Act. Specialized dams are monitored closely for safety to ensure they can effectively manage water resources.

The Paneliya Dam plays a crucial role in irrigation and drinking water supply. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the dam safe and functional. The Chief Minister of Gujarat has emphasized the importance of dam safety. Under his leadership, the state is focusing on enhancing the safety and longevity of these structures.

The government is also working on modernizing dam safety instruments. This includes improving spillway maintenance, repairing dam gates, and enhancing security features. These efforts will help reduce water loss due to seepage.

Newer dams like the Sardar Sarovar Dam, located near Navagam in Narmada district, represent the latest advancements in dam construction. However, the Paneliya Dam remains significant as it is a historical structure that has served the region for many years.

The safety of dams is a priority for the government. The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) have been set up to oversee safety measures across the country. These organizations provide guidelines and ensure that safety standards are met.

In conclusion, the Paneliya Dam is not only the oldest dam in Gujarat but also a vital part of the state’s water management system. Ongoing investments in dam safety and maintenance will help ensure that such vital resources continue to serve the people effectively. As climate conditions change, the importance of these water bodies becomes even more critical in ensuring water security for the state’s population.

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