Major Dam Project to Boost Water Security in Vapi, Gujarat

Vapi, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : A significant development is on the horizon for residents of Valsad district in Gujarat. The ₹159.50 crore dam project on the Damanganga River near Vapi is set to commence soon. This initiative is expected to enhance irrigation, groundwater recharge, and overall water security in the region.

The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project for the Damanganga dam will be located approximately three kilometers downstream from the existing Vapi weir, near Namdha village in Vapi taluka.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government aims to ensure access to drinking and irrigation water for all while safeguarding water resources for future generations. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is overseeing the project’s rapid progress.

Once completed, the dam will have a total storage capacity of 5.49 million cubic meters (MCM) and will cover a catchment area of 2,250.73 square kilometers. The proposed dam is expected to bring numerous benefits, including improved irrigation, enhanced groundwater recharge, better availability of drinking water, control of salinity, and socio-economic development.

One of the primary advantages of the project will be its irrigation capabilities. It is anticipated that the dam will provide irrigation to approximately 549 hectares of land, with stored water being delivered to farmers through lift irrigation. Six villages, including Namdha, Chandor, Mohan, Eklahare, Nahuli, and Jamburi, will benefit from this initiative. The project aims to provide immediate advantages to significant portions of previously unirrigated agricultural land through pressurized irrigation.

With the introduction of reliable irrigation, farmers’ incomes are expected to rise. The consistent availability of irrigation water throughout the year will enable farmers to cultivate two or more crops annually, contributing to their economic prosperity. Additionally, the dam will strengthen water availability for industrial and municipal needs in Vapi and surrounding areas.

Current data from 2024-25 indicates that the Vapi weir supplied 19 MCM of water for industrial use, 7.30 MCM for domestic supply, and 6 MCM to the Vapi Municipal Corporation, generating a total revenue of ₹69.15 crore. The additional storage from the proposed dam can assist in meeting the growing water demands while also generating extra revenue for civic bodies.

Another significant benefit of the project is groundwater recharge. The dam will create storage for water extending approximately 3.5 kilometers upstream, allowing for the recharge of tube wells in Vapi. This could improve groundwater quality and soil conditions, enhance domestic water availability, and support future development in the city.

Designed to control tidal waters and prevent saline intrusion into the riverbed, the dam will also facilitate groundwater recharge around the reservoir.

The project promises to deliver numerous advantages to Vapi, including improved drinking water facilities for around 230,000 residents, recreational spaces like parks and boating areas, riverfront development, and a new road corridor over the river to enhance connectivity. Environmental and socio-economic benefits are also anticipated, such as reduced tidal impacts, improved water conditions, and increased tourism and employment opportunities. It is expected that the project will create more local job opportunities, reducing seasonal migration and contributing to the area’s economic growth.