Gujarat: Irrigation and Hydropower - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Water Resources Development in Gujarat - Overview

• Assessment of Irrigation Potential
  • The total potential for irrigation in Gujarat through surface water is estimated at 47.88 lakh hectares, with 17.92 lakh hectares attributed to the Sardar Sarovar (Narmada) Project.
  • Additionally, the estimated potential for irrigation through groundwater resources is around 20.04 lakh hectares.
  • Combining both surface and groundwater sources, the total potential for irrigation is assessed at 67.92 lakh hectares.
• Utilization Levels
  • As of June 2016, the irrigation potential realized through surface water development amounts to 88.14% of the ultimate irrigation potential.
  • However, the maximum utilization of this irrigation potential stands at 67.00% of the created irrigation potential.

Key Points:

• Significance of Sardar Sarovar Project
  • The Sardar Sarovar Project plays a crucial role in enhancing Gujarat's irrigation potential, contributing significantly to the overall irrigation capacity of the state.
• Challenges and Opportunities
  • Gujarat faces the challenge of optimizing the utilization of its irrigation potential, striving towards achieving maximum efficiency in water resource management.
  • Opportunities exist for further development and expansion of irrigation infrastructure to meet the agricultural demands of the region.

Participatory Irrigation Management in Gujarat

Overview of Participatory Irrigation Management Scheme

• Participatory Irrigation Management in Gujarat aims to involve water users in the management of irrigation systems.
• The Government passed the "Gujarat Water Users Participatory Irrigation Management Act" in 2007 to facilitate this initiative.
• By March 2016, a total of 542,542 hectares of land and 1,769 Water Users Associations were included in the program.
• Progress continued in the year 2016-17, with an additional 13,134 hectares and 63 Water Users Associations being brought under the scheme by September 2016.
• As of September 2016, the scheme had covered a total of 555,676 hectares and 1,832 Water Users Associations.

Importance of Participatory Irrigation Management

• Empowering local water users to manage irrigation systems enhances efficiency and sustainability.
• It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders.
• Increased participation can lead to better maintenance and equitable distribution of water resources.

Reservoirs Level in Gujarat

• As of December 2, 2016, there are a total of 203 dams in Gujarat with a combined storage capacity of 15,774.24 million cubic meters. Out of these, 45 dams in the Gujarat region (including south, north, and central Gujarat) have a storage capacity of 12,905.15 million cubic meters.
• In the Kachchh region, there are 20 dams with a storage capacity of 332.02 million cubic meters, and in the Saurashtra region, there are 138 dams with a storage capacity of 2,537.07 million cubic meters.
• On December 2, 2016, the total water stored in these reservoirs was 11,643.13 million cubic meters, equivalent to 73.81% of the total storage capacity.

Sardar Sarovar Project Overview

The Sardar Sarovar Project is a versatile initiative that includes the construction of a concrete gravity dam on the Narmada River in Narmada District. It encompasses two powerhouses: the River Bed Power House (RBPH) and the Canal Head Power House (CHPH), with a combined installed capacity of 1450 MW.

Additionally, the project involves the development of a 458 km-long main canal with a discharge capacity of 40,000 cusecs at the starting point and 2500 cusecs at the Gujarat-Rajasthan border. The project also entails a water distribution system with a network spanning 71,748 km for irrigation purposes.

Benefits of the Sardar Sarovar Project

The project aims to provide irrigation benefits to more than 75 talukas across 17 districts in Gujarat. It is anticipated to supply water to over 9,490 villages and 173 townships for domestic and industrial use. Notably, around three-fourths of the command area covered by the project is classified as drought-prone according to the Irrigation Commission's definition.

Project Cost and Expenditure Overview

• The estimated cost of the project stands at Rs. 54,772.93 crore at 2014-15 prices. By March 2016, a total expenditure of Rs. 52,790.60 crore had been made, with Rs. 37,127.87 crore allocated to various project components.

• Up to October 2016, an additional expenditure of Rs. 3,495.52 crore was incurred, with Rs. 3,296.15 crore directed towards project components. The cumulative expenditure on the project by October 2016 reached Rs. 56,286.12 crore, with Rs. 40,424.02 crore spent on work components.

• The revised cost estimate of Rs. 54,772.93 crore at 2014-15 prices was approved during a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.

Command Area Development Progress

• Under the new policy for constructing Sub-minors, both Open Channel Gravity (OCG) and Underground Pipe Line System (UGPL) options are available.

• Over the last 18 months, consultations with over 600,000 farmers have taken place, leading to the execution of tri-partite agreements.

• From April 2015 to November 2016, 5.91 lakh hectares have been developed for irrigation through UGPL, benefiting farmers. An additional 5 lakh hectares are slated for development by the end of 2017-18.

• This advancement in irrigation infrastructure development is described as unparalleled in the country's history, showcasing significant progress in enhancing agricultural capabilities.

Overview of Irrigation Projects in Gujarat

• Detailed Description of Narmada Project
• Origins of the Narmada Project
• Narmada Water Dispute Commission's Approval
• Development and Expansion Over the Years
• Impact and Benefits
• Detailed Description of Kalpsar Project
• Purpose and Scope of the Kalpsar Project
• Implementation and Objectives
• Technological and Financial Aspects
• Anticipated Benefits

Detailed Description of Narmada Project

The Narmada Project was conceived post-independence to harness the waters of the Narmada River. Its construction began in the late 1980s after receiving necessary approvals. Subsequent enhancements, such as increasing the dam's height, have extended its reach and benefits significantly.

Origins of the Narmada Project

Post-independence, plans were made to construct a dam on the Narmada River to facilitate irrigation and drinking water access. The Narmada Water Dispute Commission's approval in 1979 marked a crucial step in this direction.

Narmada Water Dispute Commission's Approval

The Commission sanctioned the construction of the dam up to 455 feet, with subsequent approvals for height increases. This led to the provision of irrigation facilities to 15 districts, benefiting numerous villages and urban areas in the region.

Development and Expansion Over the Years

Over time, the Narmada Project underwent significant developments, including the increase in spillway block height and the completion of essential infrastructure. This expansion has enabled the provision of drinking water to a vast population.

Impact and Benefits

The Narmada Project has had a transformative impact, providing irrigation to a vast expanse of land and ensuring drinking water access to numerous villages and urban areas. Its completion has been crucial in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting overall development.

Detailed Description of Kalpsar Project

The Kalpsar Project, a major initiative by the Gujarat government, aims to utilize surplus waters from various rivers for multiple purposes. This ambitious project involves complex engineering work and innovative technology to tap into the resources effectively.

Purpose and Scope of the Kalpsar Project

The project aims to store excess waters from rivers like Sabarmati, Mahi, Dhadhar, and Narmada in the Bay of Khambhat. This storage will facilitate power generation, drinking water supply, and even transportation infrastructure enhancements.

Implementation and Objectives

The Kalpsar Project requires substantial financial investment and advanced engineering techniques for successful implementation. With plans to generate tidal power and provide drinking water to a sizable population, the project is geared towards long-term sustainability and regional development.

Technological and Financial Aspects

Utilizing modern technology and engineering expertise, the Kalpsar Project aims to harness resources efficiently. The anticipated outcomes include significant power generation, ample drinking water supply, and improved transportation connectivity, benefiting millions in the region.

Anticipated Benefits

Upon completion, the Kalpsar Project is expected to yield substantial benefits, such as power generation of 5880 MW, provision of drinking water to millions annually, and enhanced transportation links. This holistic approach underscores the project's significance in catering to the region's diverse needs.

Overview of Sujalam-Sufalam Scheme

The Sujalam-Sufalam Scheme is a significant initiative by the State Government of Gujarat aimed at addressing long-standing water and food issues in the region. This ambitious project targets resolving historical problems of drought in 10 districts lacking proper irrigation facilities. Let's delve into the key aspects of the project:

Sujalam-Sufalam Scheme Details

• Planning a 337 km long Sujalam-Sufalam Spreading Canal from Kadan dam to Banas River Basin to revive 21 rivers and numerous ponds.
• Filling nine reservoirs in North Gujarat with 1 million acre-feet of water by transporting it from the Narmada Main Canal using pipelines.
• Development of a distribution line network connecting the Narmada Main Canal with the Sujalam-Sufalam Canal.
• Enhancing irrigation facilities in Panchmahal and Dahod tribal districts through the Kadana Left Bank High-Level Canal and Panam Reservoir High-Level Canal.
• Addressing irrigation challenges in Kutch by constructing 1000 check dams, 15 tidal regulators, 33 weirs, 19 recharge ponds, and 150 recharge wells, among other measures.
• Redirecting Narmada River water to the arid lands of Surendranagar by building 107 new large check dams across 17 rivers to rejuvenate the dry basin.

Check-Dam Work and Water Management

Following the famines of the late 1980s and subsequent water scarcity due to irregular rainfall, the groundwater levels in Gujarat depleted rapidly each year. The failure of monsoons in 1999-2000 left many reservoirs in Kutch, North Gujarat, and Saurashtra empty, leading to severe drinking water shortages in the state.

Check Dam Construction for Water Conservation

Water scarcity is a pressing issue affecting both urban and rural areas in the State. To combat this challenge, the State Government initiated a significant project aimed at conserving rainwater through the construction of check dams and enhancing underground water resources. This initiative, known as the "Sardar Patel Participator Water Conservation Project," was launched in January 2000 with the goal of building 2500 check dams across the State at a cost of Rs. 100 crore. The response to this project was overwhelmingly positive.

Importance of Check Dams

• Check dams play a crucial role in capturing excess rainfall water, preventing it from draining into the ocean, and instead storing it for beneficial use.
• They help in recharging underground water sources, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.

Community Participation and Funding

• Initially, the construction of check dams involved a cost-sharing model where people's groups, voluntary organizations, and donors contributed 40% of the expenses, with the government covering the remaining 60%.
• Subsequently, the funding ratio was adjusted to 80:20, with the government now bearing 80% of the costs and the community 20%.

Benefits of Public Involvement

• Encouraging public participation in the construction of check dams has proven beneficial in multiple ways.
• Communities taking part in the construction process ensure cost-effectiveness and quality control, as they have a vested interest in the project's success.

Success and Expansion

• By March 2013, a total of 76,477 check dams had been constructed under this project, leading to a significant rise in the groundwater levels in several districts, such as Saurashtra.
• Overall, the Water Resources Department has constructed a total of 88,312 check dams through various schemes, showcasing the project's widespread impact.

Enhanced Water Resources

• The construction of check dams has resulted in groundwater levels rising substantially, ranging from 0.65 meters to 13.30 meters in certain areas, thereby improving water availability for agricultural and domestic purposes.

Importance of Utilizing Reservoir and River Water

The effectiveness of check dams has been assessed by the prestigious I.I.M., an independent institute in Ahmedabad, yielding promising outcomes.

Optimizing Water Resources

Every year, a substantial amount of additional/spill water from the rivers in Central and South Gujarat flows out into the ocean. It is crucial to harness this water to meet future water demands effectively. Rivers like Damanganga, Par, and Tapi in South Gujarat possess abundant water resources which can be channeled to support the arid and drought-stricken regions of Gujarat through initiatives like the Par-Tapi-Narmada Link Project. Extensive research has been conducted in this area to facilitate sustainable water management.

Enhancing Water Availability in North Gujarat

A significant project worth Rs. 2506.32 crores was approved by the government on 27th August 2001. This initiative aims to fill reservoirs and ponds in North Gujarat with 1.00 million acre-feet of excess floodwater from the Narmada river during drought situations. The plan involves the construction of 14 pipelines:

• Some pipelines have been successfully completed.
• Work is currently in progress on two pipelines.
• Four pipelines are in the planning and estimation phase.

This endeavor focuses on leveraging the Narmada Main Canal to replenish existing dams and small ponds in North Gujarat, ensuring better water availability in the region during dry spells.

• Dharoi Left and Right Bank Canal Extension Project
  • The Dharoi Left and Right Bank Canal Extension Project aims to expand the irrigable area in the Mehsana and Sabarkantha districts by utilizing surplus water from the Dharoi reservoir to benefit Ahmedabad city.
  • By diverting 8814 million cubic meters of water from the Dharoi reservoir, the project can increase the cultivable area in Mehsana and Sabarkantha.
  • Through a distribution ratio of 80:20 between the left bank and right bank canals, an excess of 5262 million cubic feet of water can be allocated to Mehsana district, facilitating irrigation for an additional 30387 hectares of cultivable land.
  • The extension will provide lift irrigation for 6500 hectares of land in 22 villages through the right bank canal extension and 23887 hectares of land in Idar taluka.
  • The estimated costs for these extensions are Rs. 55.00 crore for the right bank and Rs. 38.00 crore for the left bank.
• Impact on Districts
  • Four talukas in Mehsana, three in Patan, and one in Gandhinagar will receive irrigation benefits from the right bank extension project.
  • This project will additionally benefit 12309 hectares in Mehsana, 11508 hectares in Patan, and 70 hectares in Gandhinagar with increased irrigation.
• Infrastructure and Progress
  • The existing canals on the right bank have been designed to accommodate increased water flow post-Narmada conditions, enhancing their capacity.
  • Farmers will need to invest in lift irrigation systems for the proposed additional cultivable area along the right canal.
  • Various ancillary structures such as two branch canals, ten distributaries, and eight minor branches have been constructed from the right bank extension main canal.
  • Notably, 95% of the work on these structures has been completed, with 201 hectares of land already benefiting from irrigation during the Rabi season.

Salinity Ingress Prevention and Control

Salinity Ingress Prevention and Control is crucial for maintaining the quality of underground water sources, especially in regions like Gujarat. Various measures have been recommended and implemented to address this issue:

Recommendations for Salinity Ingress Prevention

• Tidal Regulators and Weirs: Construction of structures like tidal regulators and weirs near the ocean bank.
• Recharge Infrastructure: Establishment of recharge tanks, reservoirs, wells, check-dams, and spreading channels near the sea coast to prevent salinity ingress in underground water sources.

Financial Allocations

Significant financial allocations have been earmarked to support salinity ingress prevention schemes in Gujarat:

• State Contribution: An allocation of Rs. 200 crore has been made for salinity ingress prevention schemes in Gujarat under the State's Special Needs as per the 12th Financial Commission.
• Central Support: The Government of India has allocated Rs. 150 crore for salinity ingress prevention schemes under the 13th Finance Commission.

These financial provisions aim to fund the implementation of the recommended measures and ensure effective control of salinity ingress in the region.

Examples of Implementation

For instance, the construction of check-dams can help regulate the flow of water and prevent saline intrusion into groundwater sources. Recharge wells and spreading channels facilitate the replenishment of freshwater aquifers, reducing the impact of saline water incursion.