Gujarat is gearing up for the monsoon season, and the water levels in the Sardar Sarovar Dam have increased significantly. With the arrival of the rainy season, the state currently holds over 44% water storage capacity across 207 reservoirs. Notably, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which acts as a lifeline for the state, has 53.04% of its total storage capacity filled, ensuring that citizens will have access to the necessary water supply in the coming months. Last year, around this time, the water storage was only 40.81%.
The water storage levels vary across different regions of the state. Central Gujarat has the highest storage at 44.08%, while South Gujarat’s reservoirs hold 43.25%. In North Gujarat, the storage level is 29.38%, and Saurashtra has 28.10% water storage. Kutch, on the other hand, has 27.57% water storage across its 20 reservoirs.
The government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Water Resources Minister Kunwarji Bawaliya, has initiated several water conservation campaigns. These include the Sujalam Sufalam water conservation campaign and the Nal Se Jal campaign. These efforts aim to make Gujarat self-reliant in water management. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Catch the Rain’ has also led to the launch of the ‘Catch the Rain – Sujalam Sufalam Campaign 2.0’ in Mehsana.
In addition to the Sardar Sarovar Dam, other reservoirs like the Dholidhaja in Surendranagar and the Machhu-3 in Morbi have more than 91% water available. The Kalaghogha reservoir in Kutch has over 82%, while Bhadar-2 in Rajkot has 77%. Other reservoirs like the Sukhi in Chhota Udepur and Aji-2 in Rajkot have 74% and 73% storage, respectively.
Currently, there are six reservoirs filled to 70-100%, twenty reservoirs at 50-70%, and seventy-one reservoirs holding 25-50% of their capacity. This optimal storage has ensured that both rural and urban areas have sufficient water supply, even during the summer months.
The Sardar Sarovar Project is one of the largest and most significant initiatives in India, aimed at managing the water resources of the Narmada River. It has played a crucial role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday in 2017, after decades of discussion and planning.
The dam’s height has been increased to 138.68 meters, allowing it to store more water. This has helped address water scarcity in many regions of Gujarat, especially during dry periods. The dam serves not only Gujarat but also provides water to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh through its extensive canal network.
As the monsoon prepares to arrive, these water levels are a positive sign for the state’s agricultural and urban needs. The government is taking precautions by alerting low-lying areas near the dam, ensuring that residents are safe as water levels continue to rise.
Overall, the current water storage situation in Gujarat reflects the successful implementation of water management strategies and the importance of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in sustaining the state’s water supply. The government remains committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to this vital resource as the monsoon season approaches.
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