The Gujarat government has given initial approval for a Rs 1,700 crore project to build a barrage-cum-bridge over the Mahi river near Dhuvaran in Anand district. This project aims to enhance regional connectivity and improve water security in central and southern Gujarat. The ‘Badalpur-Kareli Barrage-cum-Bridge’ will serve as both a transportation link and a water conservation initiative.
Officials state that the project will not only connect important areas but also tackle issues such as salinity intrusion, water supply for drinking, and irrigation demands in the Charotar-Bharuch belt. The State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Raman Solanki, played a key role in advancing this project. Survey work for the project is set to begin promptly after receiving clearance.
The structure of the project will include a two-kilometre bridge segment spanning about 4.5 kilometers within the riverbed. It will feature approximately 70 gates to manage the Mahi River’s flow and optimize freshwater storage during the monsoon season. The barrage is anticipated to have a storage capacity of around 183 million cubic meters of freshwater, aiming to capture and utilize monsoon water that currently flows into the sea.
