Gujarat Govt OKays ₹581 Crore Fish Scale Weir Dam on Banas River in Deesa

Gandhinagar: The State Government has granted in-principle approval for the construction of a Fish Scale Weir Dam on the Banas River near Mahadeviya village in Deesa taluka of Banaskantha district. Excess water from the Banas River will be stored in the area through the construction of a special Fish Scale Stepped Weir. This water storage will help recharge groundwater and benefit people across 100 villages in Deesa and Kankrej talukas, a press release said.

According to the government statement, plans were initially made to store water through check dams at various locations in the area. However, considering the considerable width of the riverbed, it has now been decided to construct a Fish Scale Weir Dam in collaboration with IIT Roorkee, an institution with extensive experience in dam construction. Given the Banas River’s significant groundwater recharge potential, the project is expected to yield positive results in groundwater replenishment.

500-Metre-Wide Dam to Create a 2.72-Km-Long Reservoir

The dam will span 500 metres in width and comprise seven stepped levels. It will store water released from the Dantiwada and Sipu dams. The reservoir created upstream of the dam will extend approximately 2.72 kilometres in length. A large embankment, measuring 4,795 metres in length, will be constructed along the northern bank of the dam.

Dam Construction Targeted for Completion by 2029; Tourism Development Planned in the Second Phase

The dam will be constructed on the Banas River near Mahadeviya village, with the project targeted for completion by 2029. Work on preparing its final design has been assigned. Subsequently, various projects will be introduced in the second phase to promote local tourism in the area.

DeshGujarat