For the first time this monsoon, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) opened five of the dam’s 30 radial gates. This decision was made on Thursday to ensure a “safe rise” to the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 138.68 metres. The water level surged to 131 metres, which is nearly a four-metre increase within just 24 hours. On Wednesday morning, it stood at 127.92 metres.
The rise in water level is due to a continuous inflow of about 4.01 lakh cusecs from upstream dams in Madhya Pradesh, specifically from the Omkareshwar and Indirasagar dams. In response to this increase, the Sardar Sarovar Dam began releasing 1.37 lakh cusecs downstream on Thursday. Power generation continues through six units of the Riverbed Powerhouse and one unit of the Canal Head Powerhouse.
Currently, the dam is 74% full and has a live storage capacity of 3,500 million cubic metres (MCM). The Flood Management Centre of the dam ordered the opening of the gates at 11 am on Thursday. District authorities have alerted riverbank villages across the Narmada district, although they have stressed that there is no immediate threat. The controlled release of water follows SSNNL protocol to safely manage the dam’s water level.
Reports indicate that water levels were rising at a rate of seven centimetres per hour. Over the past week, the dam has experienced a significant rise, moving up nearly seven metres from a level of 123.57 metres on July 24. Officials noted that both the Indirasagar Dam and the Omkareshwar Dam have opened gates to release water downstream. The Indirasagar Dam has opened 12 gates, discharging 4.4 lakh cusecs, while the Omkareshwar Dam has opened 19 gates, releasing 4.75 lakh cusecs.
According to SSNNL, a total of 137 lakh cusecs is expected to be released downstream to manage the surge. The Flood Control Centre continues to monitor the situation, particularly as heavy rainfall persists in the catchment areas, including the Khandwa rain gauge station.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam plays a crucial role in Gujarat’s water supply and hydroelectric power generation. Officials assure the public that the situation is being handled carefully and that safety measures are in place. As rainfall continues, residents in the surrounding areas are urged to stay informed and prepared in case of any changes in water levels. The dam’s management remains committed to ensuring the safety of nearby communities while maintaining the reservoir’s capacity effectively.