Surat: The Gujarat government has approved the construction of a new barrage on the Tapi river in South Gujarat, at an estimated cost of Rs. 974 crore. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been finalized, and construction is expected to commence soon.

For the project’s funding, the Union government will contribute ₹584.06 crore, while the state government, along with Surat Municipal Corporation, will provide ₹389.38 crore. The new barrage will be built near Rundh Bhatha village, adding to the existing water infrastructure on the Tapi river, which currently includes the Ukai Dam—the largest water storage facility in South Gujarat—along with Kakrapar and Singanpore weirs downstream.

The primary objectives of the gated barrage are to prevent tidal water from entering the river, thereby reducing soil salinity, and to create a freshwater reservoir to address Surat city’s drinking water needs. Once completed, the barrage will supply 19.60 million cubic meters of potable water to the city.

The proposed structure will span 1,035 meters in length and rise to a height of 5 meters, with approximately 15 meters between two piers. The final design is still being finalized.

Lift Irrigation Scheme to Benefit Local Farmers

In parallel with the barrage project, the state irrigation department has begun work on a lift irrigation scheme on the right bank of the Tapi river, costing around Rs. 120 crore. This initiative will provide irrigation water to 2,365 hectares across 15 villages in Olpad and Choryasi talukas. Sources confirm that this lift irrigation project is part of the broader Rs. 974 crore Rundh Bhatha Barrage Scheme. DeshGujarat