The Narmada River project Sardar Sarovar Dam has almost filled its maximum capacity due to the heavy inflows of the upstream river and the continuous monsoon rains. In reaction to this, the authorities on Wednesday opened 15 of the 30 radial gates on the dam to discharge surplus water to ensure safety levels remain at the reservoir. The dam has also increased the water level of the Narmada downstream, and the officials have issued an alert to 27 villages along the banks of the river. Such regions are said to be prone to abrupt increases in the water flow, and people have been urged to stay on their guard.
The dam, one of the lifelines of Gujarat, as well as the areas around it, is important in irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. But in the season of the heavy monsoons, controlling the inflows and structural security are of paramount importance to the authorities. The gates were opened when the inflow had reached the level at which the water pressure had to be controlled. In doing so, officials hope to eliminate the risk of overflow, as well as to balance downstream safety.
The affected districts are on high alert as far as local administrations are concerned. The situation is being closely monitored by disaster response teams and officials, and announcements have been made in vulnerable areas to ensure that people are kept informed about water levels. People in low-lying villages have been advised to prepare in case they are to be evacuated due to the increase in the river flow. There is an identification of schools and community halls in nearby safe zones as temporary shelters in case people are required to be moved.
The water being released by the dam has also contributed to the flow of the Narmada River, which is already swollen due to the seasonal rainfall. Although this will contribute to filling reservoirs and groundwater tables in the area, flash floods and crop damage in areas near the river are also of concern. Settlements along the riverbank have been encouraged to move their cattle and protect their produce lest they lose them.
The government has assured the citizens that things are under control and that the gates are being monitored with real-time rates of incoming and outgoing. They stressed that this type of water discharge belongs to the regular flood control activities during the monsoon. As the rains are expected to persist over the next few weeks, there will be continued monitoring of the dam and river basin to make sure the structure is safe and the people residing in the downstream area are not at risk.
