Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government, in coordination with the Centre, is exploring a possible collaboration with the Netherlands to advance the long-pending Kalpasar project, according to a report by TOI.

Envisioned nearly four decades ago, the ambitious project is yet to take off despite multiple detailed project reports. Recent estimates place its cost at around Rs 1.57 lakh crore.

The Kalpasar project proposes the creation of a massive 13,000 million cubic metre freshwater reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat by constructing a 60-km dam between Bhavnagar and Bharuch. The dam is also expected to host a 16-lane highway, significantly improving connectivity between Saurashtra and South Gujarat, while supplying water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.

It is learnt that both the state and central governments are considering a government-to-government (G2G) partnership model. A Dutch delegation recently met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state officials in Gandhinagar, where a detailed presentation on the project was made.

The proposal includes setting up an Indo-Dutch expert group to facilitate design reviews, knowledge sharing, and technical collaboration.

The report stated that like the Narmada project, Kalpasar is expected to benefit multiple states. They highlighted that Gujarat’s current per capita annual water availability stands at 920 cubic metres—just 54% of the required 1,700 cubic metres. With no major new water sources identified, the situation could become critical by 2047, prompting efforts to fast-track the project.

State government data suggests that nearly 30,000 MCM of water flows into the sea each year without being harnessed. With rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and rising living standards, demand for water is expected to increase further, underscoring the need for a sustainable solution.

Several rivers, including Sabarmati, Mahi, Dhadhar, Narmada (via diversion canal), Wadhvan Bhogavo, Limbadi Bhogavo, Sukhbhadar, Utavali, Keri, Ghelo, and Kalubhar, drain into the Gulf of Khambhat in the proposed project area.

The report added that around 20 national and international organisations have been involved in studies related to the project. So far, 51 studies have been completed, while three are ongoing and expected to be finalised by June 2028. DeshGujarat