Sabarmati River Gets 12 New Barrages for Water Security
Sabarmati River Gets 12 New Barrages for water security across north Gujarat, the state government has launched a Rs 2,566-crore project to build 12 new barrages along the Sabarmati River. This initiative is designed to rejuvenate the river and ensure a steady water supply for irrigation, drinking, and groundwater recharge. The barrages will stretch over 148 km from Dharoi Dam in Mehsana to Vasna Barrage in Ahmedabad.
Unlike large dams, barrages use gates and spillways to control water flow and are known for their smaller environmental impact. These new structures will serve several purposes, including improving irrigation, providing drinking water, replenishing groundwater, and restoring local ecosystems. Key cities such as Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and villages along the river will directly benefit from these developments.
Construction has already begun at four sites, while planning continues for the remaining eight.
Most of the barrages will be built in Mehsana district, with significant investments directed towards improving water storage capacity. One of the most anticipated features of the project is the construction of a rubber barrage in Ahmedabad, which is expected to help manage water flow more efficiently.The new barrages are expected to improve groundwater levels in surrounding villages and ensure water availability well into the dry season, a major improvement over the current situation where the river often dries up by October. Once completed within three years, the project is expected to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply, supporting agriculture, local communities, and the environment.
