Porbandar Dams, Ponds to Get Narmada Water via Sauni Yojana Amid Weak Monsoon

Porbandar: Amid concerns over weak rainfall in Gujarat this year, the state government has planned to strengthen the Sauni Yojana network to ensure that dams, irrigation schemes and ponds in Porbandar district receive adequate water from the Narmada Canal. As part of the plan, water bodies located within a 7-km radius of the existing Sauni network will be considered for filling through the scheme.

The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Ishwar Singh Patel. Senior officials from the Water Resources, Irrigation, Urban Development and Water Supply departments attended the meeting.

The ministers directed officials to prepare an advance plan to address drinking water requirements and irrigation needs in Porbandar, with maximum use of available water sources and the Sauni Yojana network.

Focus on Ghed area projects

Officials were directed to speed up works under Phase 1 in the Ghed area and undertake micro-level planning for projects included in Phase 2. The ministers stressed that the ongoing and proposed works should be completed without unnecessary delays so that irrigation facilities can be made available at the earliest.

In the Barda forest area, instructions were issued to expedite the land transfer process for irrigation projects, including the Dipdajar Irrigation Scheme. Officials were also asked to coordinate with the Forest Department and begin work on the Sarmani Irrigation Scheme at the earliest.

The government also directed officials to examine the feasibility of a pipeline project to divert and store water flowing into a river following the overflow of the Sorathi Irrigation Scheme near Advana village. The proposal would connect the excess water to the nearby Advana Irrigation Scheme.

Officials were further asked to complete the approach channel connecting the Sauni network to the intake structure on an emergency basis to ensure water can be supplied whenever required.

Steps to increase water storage

In Porbandar city, the ministers directed officials to immediately undertake work to increase the depth and width of Sukaala Lake to enhance its water storage capacity.

Instructions were also issued to expedite drain-canal work in areas affected by the expansion of the airport.

The government said the current year’s weak monsoon has made it necessary to strengthen water management measures in Porbandar. Under the proposed plan, the existing Sauni network will be upgraded and used to fill dams, irrigation schemes and ponds located within a 7-km radius.

The ministers stressed that all concerned departments must work in coordination to ensure that residents of both rural and urban areas do not face drinking water shortages and farmers do not face a shortage of irrigation water.

DeshGujarat