Downpour also fills up dams in Gujarat up to 75%

Dams in the state are now 75% filled - a sharp increase of 10% in just 10 days - because of extensive rainfall in and around the state, state water resources department data shows.

Till a few days back, the aim was to preserve every drop of water in view of scanty rainfall. However, the situation now is that large quantities of water are being released from various dams to maintain water level as per the 'rule level' to avert flood-like situation.

Official data shows that as of August 30, 4.37 lakh million cubic feet (mcf) water is stored in 200 dams in the state, which is 75% of the total storage capacity of 5.63 lakh mcf.

Dams in north Gujarat are 63% filled, while those in central Gujarat are over 87% full. In south Gujarat, which has received heavy rainfall in past few days, dams are 75% filled. Reservoirs in Saurashtra are 78% filled.

Kutch has received good rainfall in past few days, but water storage continues to be worrying. The water stored in dams in Kutch is only 34% of their total capacity. "Barring Kutch, water availability situation is very comfortable in all regions of the state," said an official of water resources department.

The Narmada dam, however, continues to overflow. Its water level is 124.71 metre as against the crest level of 121.92 metre.
High alert has been sounded at 80 dams, having water storage of 90% or more. These include six major dams, viz. Kadana, Shetrunji, Bhadar, Machhu I, Machhu II and Brahmani. Alert has been sounded at 19 dams, while warnings have been issued at eight other reservoirs.

Large quantity of water is being released from Ukai (2.28 lakh cusec), Kadana (1.45 lakh cusec), Daman Ganga (36,000 cusec) and Machhu II (11,670 cusec).