Chhota Udaipur district has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past four days. This has led to the water level in the Sukhi Dam rising to 145.96 meters. To manage the water levels, the authorities have opened Gate 5 of the dam, allowing 1000 cusecs of water to flow into the Bharaj River.
Local residents are advised to stay safe and move away from the riverbanks. The villages at risk include Kikawada, Dungarvant, Ghutiya, Gambhirpura, Paliya, Sajod, Motibej, Nanibej, Thalki, Vaghwa, Hud, Vadesiya, Khandiya, Koliyari, Lohdan, Motirasli, Nanirasli, and Sihod.
The water release was necessary to maintain the normal level, which is 145.50 meters. The water was released at 1 PM, and alerts were issued to 20 villages near the riverbank. This year, repairs to the canals of the Sukhi reservoir delayed the water release until now, just at the start of the monsoon season. Farmers in the area are pleased with the release, as it is expected to benefit their crops.
Last year, when water was released from the dam, it caused a bridge on the Bharaj River to collapse, leading to significant difficulties for the locals. They had to take longer routes to reach their destinations. It remains to be seen if the situation will be stable this time.
Despite the warnings, people were seen setting up tents near the river. This raises concerns about safety as the water was being released. The local administration had informed the sand miners in the Bharaj River about the water release, but machines were still spotted near the riverbank shortly after the alerts were issued. This situation complicates the safety measures in place.
Sukhi Dam is crucial for irrigation and local agriculture. The region, primarily inhabited by indigenous communities, relies heavily on farming. The main crops include maize, millet, and various vegetables. The local government is working to ensure that safety measures are followed while also supporting the agricultural needs of the farmers.
In the coming days, the weather forecast suggests continued rainfall, which may affect the dam levels further. Authorities are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely to prevent any incidents. Community leaders are urging residents to stay cautious and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure their safety during this rainy season.
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