Gujarat has surpassed its desilting target for reservoirs, canals, rivers, and water bodies over the last three years, removing more than 221 lakh cubic meters of silt between 2022-23 and 2024-25. The state government’s Water Resources Department, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, exceeded the initial goal of 203 lakh cubic meters. The desilting campaign, conducted at 1,474 locations statewide, involved clearing silt and unwanted vegetation to enhance irrigation and water storage infrastructure.
Structural enhancements were carried out over approximately 4,223 km with the aid of 88 to 96 heavy machines deployed at various sites. Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken in the past three years, covering a total of 1,474 sites with the assistance of government machinery. In Manavadar taluka of Junagadh district, efforts are ongoing to connect and deepen Dagadna and Jambuda lakes, creating a larger pond at an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 crore.
Local farmers anticipate improved water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes as a result of the project. Ramesh Bararia, a farmer from Manavadar taluka, mentioned ongoing excavation work to deepen the pond, enhancing its water storage capacity significantly. Another farmer, Pravin Virda, expressed optimism about increased water access to farms located several kilometers away due to the dam’s expansion.
M.L. Khambhala, Deputy Executive Engineer in the Irrigation Department at Junagadh, emphasized that the project’s completion would substantially boost the pond’s storage capacity, benefiting irrigation in nearby villages. The state government’s water conservation efforts under initiatives like ‘Sujalam Sufalam Yojana’ and ‘Catch the Rain’ aim to enhance irrigation facilities and drinking water supply throughout Gujarat.
