Ahmedabad, May 27: The Gujarat government has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s water resources and irrigation infrastructure. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Water Resources Department has successfully removed over 2.21 million cubic meters of silt from reservoirs, canals, rivers, and other water bodies across the state during the three-year period from 2022-23 to 2024-25. This figure surpasses the set target of 2.03 million cubic meters.
This extensive campaign, initiated by the state government, focuses on enhancing water conservation capacity by removing silt and unwanted vegetation. Work was carried out at 1,474 different sites, utilizing an average of 88 to 96 heavy machines to conduct structural improvements and cleaning operations over approximately 4,223 kilometers.
Speaking to a news agency, Water Resources and Supply Minister Ishwarbhai Patel stated, “In the past three years, cleaning and deepening work has been completed over an area of about 1.23 million square meters. The government’s aim is to enhance water conservation capacity and make the irrigation system more effective.”
As part of this initiative, a large pond is being developed by connecting the Dagad and Jambuda lakes in the Junagadh district’s Manavadar taluka. This project, costing around 65 million rupees, is progressing rapidly and will provide improved irrigation and drinking water facilities.
Farmer Ramesh Bararia shared, “The deepening of the pond has been ongoing for the past month and a half. We are using Hitachi machines and dump trucks for this work. The height of the check dam is also being increased, allowing for three times more water storage than before.”
Another farmer, Praveen Virda, mentioned that the deepened pond will ensure water reaches his fields, located approximately 3 to 3.5 kilometers away. Farmers have long advocated for this change, and the government’s actions will greatly benefit the local agricultural community.
According to irrigation department officials, this project will increase the pond’s water storage capacity by two to three times. This will directly benefit the town of Manavadar and five to six surrounding villages, providing sufficient irrigation water for about 500 to 600 hectares of agricultural land.
Deputy Executive Engineer M.L. Khambhala from the irrigation department noted that the pond’s original water storage capacity was around 20 million cubic feet, but significant improvements will be seen after repairs and the elevation of the waste weir.
The Gujarat government is continuously working to strengthen water conservation and irrigation systems through initiatives like the ‘Sujalam Sufalam Yojana’ and ‘Catch the Rain.’ These efforts have led to improvements in groundwater levels, providing farmers with more water for irrigation.
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