Gujarat Plans Rabi Irrigation from 76 Dams; Drinking Water Needs Secured Until June 2027

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Government has planned to supply irrigation water to the command areas of 76 dams across the state during the upcoming Rabi season, while ensuring that drinking water requirements are met until June 30, 2027, an official release said on Monday.

Announcing the declaration of drought in four districts, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel outlined the state’s irrigation water management plan. He said water had been supplied to the command areas of 44 dams during the Kharif season based on demand.

The state’s 206 major dams have recorded 66% water storage this year. Under the Rabi irrigation plan, water will be supplied from dams across North Gujarat, Central Gujarat, South Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch. Depending on water availability, irrigation water will be provided in one to four rotations.

In North Gujarat, irrigation water will be supplied from 11 dams, including Dharoi and Dantiwada. In Central Gujarat, 12 dams, including Karjan and Panam, will provide water, while nine dams, including Ukai, Kakrapar and Damanganga, will cater to South Gujarat.

In Saurashtra, irrigation water will be supplied from 39 dams, including Shetrunji, Brahmani and Machchhu. Five dams in the Kutch region will also be included in the supply plan.

The government has prioritised drinking water security alongside irrigation requirements, maintaining adequate reserves to meet the state’s drinking water needs until June 30, 2027. DeshGujarat