In Godhra, Panchmahal district, the Panam reservoir is set to release water, prompting an alert for nearby villages in the Shehra taluka. The Panam flood control unit announced this measure as the water level in the reservoir reached 123.00 meters on June 24, 2025. The normal rule level for the reservoir is 125.00 meters. Officials warned that if heavy rainfall occurs in the catchment area, the gates of the Panam dam will be opened to release water. This will be communicated beforehand to ensure the safety of residents in the riverbank villages. Villages affected include Ramjini Nal, Kotha, Undara, Mor, and Balujina Muwada.
The Panam dam is built on the Panam river, which is a tributary of the Mahi river. It is located in Santarampur taluka of the Mahisagar district. The dam, which has a capacity of 2 megawatts, has been a critical source of water for irrigation. However, for the past three years, the water inflow into the reservoir has been significantly low, raising concerns among local farmers.
Farmers have reported challenges as the Panam reservoir has not been full for three years. The low rainfall in the district and upstream areas has led to a mere 50% water availability in the dam. This has resulted in no water being released for irrigation, causing significant distress among farmers who rely on this water.
The Panam irrigation system supports farming in 132 villages across five talukas in Panchmahal, Mahisagar, and Vadodara districts, covering a total of 36,405 hectares. The reservoir also provides drinking water to local communities, with 5.3 million cubic meters stored for this purpose. Villages like Kotha and Bhunindra depend on this water supply, and the farmers are now worried about the lack of irrigation water.
The last time the dam’s gates were opened was in 2019, when heavy rainfall filled the reservoir. Since then, the situation has deteriorated. The average rainfall recorded in the catchment area has dropped to 380 mm over the past three years. Currently, the dam is only 52% full, after receiving 500 mm of rain this year.
Farmers are anxious about the upcoming rainy season. If there is no adequate rainfall, the reservoir may not fill up completely again this year, leading to further irrigation issues. Many farmers from Godhra, Kalol, and Savli talukas have requested the government to supply water from the Narmada river into the Panam canal to solve their irrigation problems.
The farmers, who once provided land for the construction of the Panam dam, feel left out as they are not receiving the expected benefits from the reservoir. They are advocating for a connection between the main Narmada canal and the Panam canal to ensure they receive irrigation water.
The challenges faced by farmers highlight the critical need for proper water management and the necessity of addressing their concerns promptly. Many farmers are left without adequate water for their crops, leading to serious economic implications for their families and communities. As the government considers the situation, farmers remain hopeful for a resolution that will secure their livelihoods and provide the necessary water for irrigation. It is essential for local authorities to monitor the reservoir levels closely and communicate effectively with the affected communities to ensure their safety and agricultural productivity.
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