Kutch: The Gujarat government has approved a major project to supply additional water from the Narmada reservoir to small and large ponds, as well as minor irrigation schemes in the Khadir region of Kutch, through a pipeline. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has given in-principle approval for the ₹451.67 crore project, a decision aimed at benefiting local residents, farmers, and livestock, Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya said.

Minister Bavaliya explained that the project has been planned to address water scarcity in the Khadir area of Bhachau taluka, reduce the overuse of groundwater, and raise the groundwater level by transporting surplus water from the Narmada reservoir through pipelines. Under the plan, water from the Kutch Branch Canal will be stored in the Suvai Dam and then pumped to 194 ponds and six minor irrigation schemes in the Khadir region via a pipeline. The total water requirement for the project is estimated at 22.0 MCM (million cubic meters), the minister added.

The minister further noted that the scheme covers ten villages, including Dholavira—an archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Amrapar, Bambhanka, Bapura, Gadhda, Ganeshpar, Janan, Kalyanpur, Kharoda, and Ratanpar. Once implemented, the project will provide irrigation benefits to approximately 5,492 hectares during the Kharif and Rabi seasons, revitalizing the farmland. In addition, it will improve groundwater levels, provide drinking water for livestock, and reduce displacement during water shortages.

Minister Bavaliya expressed confidence that, like in other parts of the state, Narmada water will play a significant role in the social and economic development of the region and extended his best wishes to the residents of the Khadir area. DeshGujarat