Bharuch: With onset of summer, the water level in river Narmada in Central Gujarat has gone further down. Due to inflow of sea water during high-tide, the tail area of river Narmada in Bharuch district is facing serious issue of salinity again which has created huge problem for over 100 industrial units in Dahej industrial area and also for local farmers and other people.

As per an estimate, the Dahej industrial area daily needs 10 crore litre 50 ppm quality water for industrial use. Due to high-tide in sea and no sweet water flow in river bed, the level of PPM has gone as high as 300-350. Some industries have shut down their operation in this situation which has resulted into 40% cut in production.

According to Dahej Industries Association president Mr. Harmia, there’s no alternative arrangement to fetch sweet water and industries in this area are solely depending on Narmada water. The issue of salinity is creating difficulties not only for industries but for local farmers and other people as well.

According to district collector Sandip Sangle, one option to immediately counter the problem is construction of temporary dam. The other option is release of water from Narmada dam. District administration has contacted the State government to find way as per the first option. District administration has also contacted Narmada Control Authority to find way out as per the second option.

One way out is speedy laying of Dabhoi-Dahej 135 km pipeline, work for which is in progress in slow mode.

DeshGujarat