Author(s)

S. M. Yadav & K. A. Chauhan

Abstract

A concrete gravity dam, 1210 meters in length and with a maximum height of 163 meters above the deepest foundation level, is under construction across River Narmada. The dam will be the third highest concrete dam (163 meters) in India. In terms of the volume of concrete involved for gravity dams, this dam will rank as the second largest in the world with an aggregate volume of 6.82 million cu.m. The first is Grand Coule Dam in USA with a total volume of 8.0 million cu.m. This dam with its spillway discharging capacity of 87,000 cumecs (30.70 lac), will be the third in the world, Gazenba (1.13 lac cumecs) in China and Tucurri (1.0 lac cumecs) in Brazil being the first two. The gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 0.95 M. ha.m. (7.7 MAF) while live storage capacity is 0.58 M.ha.m. (4.75 MAF). The dead storage capacity below minimum draw down level is 0.37 M. ha. m. (2.97 MAF). The construction of the dam up to 121.6 meter is over and construction of the 456 km long main canal is almost completed. The state of Gujarat can be divided into four parts as far as available water resources are concerned (i) South and Central Gujarat, (ii) Saurashtara, (iii) North Gujarat, (iv) Kachchha. Out of the total water resources of the state (ground as well as surface water) the areas of Kachchh, North Gujarat and Saurashtara have 2%, 11% and 16% water resources respectively which covers a 58% area of the state. These areas are subjected to drought happening once in a five year frequency. These areas are one of the most water stressed area of the state as well as country. The mass migration tendencies seasonal as well as permanent towards Central and South Gujarat are observed regularly due to shortage of water, food and fodder. The main canal of Narmada dam has become a new source of water for this region.

Keywords

water resources, Narmada main canal, drinking water, issues, sustainable development.