Government to Prioritise Drinking Water as Reservoir Levels Decline

Following the departure of the monsoon in Gujarat, the status of water storage in the state's reservoirs has become a matter of concern. As the actual quantity of water in the reservoirs is lower than expected, difficulties regarding drinking water and irrigation may arise in the coming period.

According to a report by Sandesh, government data indicates that currently, an average of only 63.49 per cent water is available in 206 other reservoirs of the state, excluding the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam. However, the combined storage of a total of 207 reservoirs in the state, including the Narmada Dam, was recorded at 77.09 per cent, which provides significant relief.

The water storage situation in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions of the state is extremely poor. Only 30.09 per cent water is available in Kutch district and 46.29 per cent in the Saurashtra zone. This low water level could become a major challenge for the local administration and citizens for the upcoming summer season.

A detailed review of the 206 reservoirs revealed that less than 50 per cent water remains in 127 large reservoirs among them. These affected reservoirs include 101 from the Saurashtra zone and 15 from Kutch. The rapid decline in water levels is a serious signal for agriculture and animal husbandry.

Considering this situation, State Minister Jitu Vaghani has stated that drinking water will be reserved in sufficient quantities by prioritising the needs of citizens. Water for irrigation will be released only after considering the quantity of water available in the reservoirs and the requirement for drinking water, so that water wastage is prevented and maximum utility is achieved. The government has appealed to farmers and citizens to use water sparingly.

On the other hand, to resolve the water crisis created by poor rainfall in Rajkot, following a representation by the Municipal Corporation, the process of filling Aji Dam and Nyari Dam with Narmada water via the 'Sauni Yojana' has been started. Officials and office-bearers of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation welcomed the waters of the Narmada.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam was a concrete gravity dam built on the Narmada River near Kevadia in Narmada district. This dam was constructed to provide water and electricity to the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.