Gujarat has experienced a significant amount of rainfall recently, marking a strong start to the monsoon season. Over the last week, the rain has filled many reservoirs across the state. Currently, 206 reservoirs in Gujarat have an average water level of 46.21%. Notably, 13 of these reservoirs are completely full, while 18 are on high alert due to the rising water levels.
Just a week ago, on June 28, 2024, the average water level in these reservoirs was only 38.24%. The increase in rainfall has brought joy to farmers, who depend on this water for their crops. The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River is one of the key reservoirs, and it has seen an increase in inflow from upstream areas. Currently, the dam is receiving 54,032 cubic feet of water per second.
The Narmada Dam’s water level has risen to 118.08 meters, thanks to the continuous rain in Madhya Pradesh, which feeds into the reservoir. As a result, power generation has also increased, providing significant revenue to the state. The dam’s maximum capacity is 138.68 meters, and currently, 12,200 cubic feet of water is being released into the main canal.
According to the irrigation department, the reservoirs that are full include Dhatarwadi-Surajwadi in Amreli, Rozki-Bogad in Bhavnagar, Goma-Bhimdad in Botad, Kali-2 in Dahod, Vagodiya in Jamnagar, Kalaghogha in Kutch, and Dholidhaja in Surendranagar, among others.
As of now, 31 reservoirs are filled between 70% and 100%, 35 are between 50% and 70%, and 59 are between 25% and 50% full. Meanwhile, 68 reservoirs hold less than 25% of their capacity.
In the Saurashtra region, 10 reservoirs are completely full, while one each from Central Gujarat, South Gujarat, and Kutch are also at full capacity. The Sardar Sarovar Dam, which is crucial for the state’s water supply, currently holds 16,465 million cubic meters of water, about 49.28% of its total capacity.
Ahmedabad has recorded a remarkable start to the monsoon, with an average rainfall of 24% so far, which is the highest in a decade. This year, by June 28, the district had received an average of 4.74% rainfall. In total, Ahmedabad city has reported about 8 inches of rainfall, which accounts for 27% of the expected seasonal rain.
The last ten years have shown an average of 32 inches of rainfall during the monsoon season in Ahmedabad. Last week, on June 21, the city recorded an average of 16% rainfall. This week alone, the city has received an additional 10% rainfall, bringing much-needed relief to the farmers in the region.
In the Dhandhuka area of Ahmedabad district, the highest recorded rainfall is 37%, with 10.92 inches so far. Other areas like Dholka and Dholera have also seen significant rainfall, accounting for 30% of the seasonal average. However, the Saanand region has received the least, with only 13.21% rainfall recorded.
In the previous years, 2015 held the record for the highest rainfall by June 28, with 18%. The increase in rainfall is expected to help with crop planting, and farmers are celebrating this timely blessing from the skies. The state had an average rainfall of 112% during the monsoon season last year, indicating a positive trend for agricultural activities.
Forecasts suggest that Ahmedabad will continue to experience rainy weather, with thunderstorms expected over the weekend. This weather is anticipated to continue for the next few days, providing further relief to the state’s agricultural landscape.
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