The Gujarat government has successfully completed 2.21 crore cubic meters of earthwork in the past three years to enhance reservoirs and boost water storage capacity statewide. This achievement surpasses the initial target set for this period. The work, conducted between 2022-23 and 2024-25 by the Water Resources Department, aimed at fortifying irrigation systems and expanding facilities for farmers at the end of canal networks.
The government had originally planned to finish 203 lakh cubic meters of earthwork during this three-year span but managed to accomplish 221.37 lakh cubic meters instead. Minister Ishwarsinh Patel highlighted that this milestone was achieved under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s guidance by exceeding the set target. The efforts focused on enhancing reservoir strength, water storage, and canal water-carrying capacity.
Structural enhancements and maintenance activities covered an area of approximately 123 lakh square meters, spanning a total length of 4,223 kilometers. The operations involved clearing unwanted vegetation like bushes and shrubs from dams, canals, lakes, and channels across the state over the last three years. A total of 1,474 sites were completed during this period, with an average of 88 to 96 government machinery units engaged in the work.
The completion of this initiative has not only bolstered the state’s reservoirs but also extended the lifespan and water-carrying capacity of canals. The department also conducted deepening and desilting activities in various water bodies, including reservoirs, canals, rivers, check dams, streams, and lakes. Modern heavy earth-moving machinery was utilized for tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and restoration of canal and drainage systems, as well as for flood-relief operations.
Offices operating under the Irrigation Mechanical Circles of Vadodara and Ahmedabad significantly contributed to maintaining and enhancing irrigation infrastructure in different regions of the state using heavy machinery. Major projects involved conserving and fortifying reservoirs, canal maintenance, river upkeep, and preventing salinity ingress, among other specialized engineering activities. The minister emphasized the dedication of the department’s staff and laborers who worked tirelessly day and night, overcoming geographical challenges and adverse weather conditions.
The Irrigation Mechanical Department plans to continue its modernization and technology-driven efforts in the upcoming years. Minister Patel expressed optimism that Gujarat is on track to evolve into a water-surplus state.
