Gandhinagar, Aug 10 (IANS) The Ukai-Kakrapar Multipurpose Project, whose construction was first initiated in 1949, continues to serve as a major source of irrigation, power generation and drinking water for South Gujarat more than seven decades later, with its reservoir capable of storing 7,497 million cubic metres (MCM) of water.

Located at Ukai village in Songadh taluka of Tapi district on the Tapi River, the project is the state’s second-largest and oldest major multipurpose project.

It was developed in two phases, beginning with the construction of the 633.50-metre-long Kakrapar Weir between 1949 and 1954, before the formation of Gujarat.

The second phase began with the construction of the Ukai Dam after the Planning Commission approved the project in August 1961 and the state government gave its approval in February 1962.

Construction of the dam was completed in 1972 and the reservoir was filled for the first time in 1973.

The reservoir covers about 600 square kilometres and has a total storage capacity of 7,497 MCM, including 6,615 MCM of live storage. It extends about 112 km upstream of the dam and has an average width of around 5.5 km.

At full reservoir level, its perimeter is approximately 525 km. The project provides irrigation benefits to 3,31,557 hectares across Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Tapi and Valsad districts.

Water is also supplied to farmland and rural areas through lift irrigation projects including the Ukai-Purna High-Level Canal, Songadh-Uchhal-Nizar, Kakrapar-Gordha-Vad and Tapi-Karjan.

These schemes serve thousands of hectares across 298 villages in Tapi, Surat and Narmada districts. The Ukai-Purna High-Level Canal, an important component of the irrigation network, is 51,110 metres long and has a carrying capacity of 480 cusecs.

Beyond irrigation, the project is linked to the state’s electricity supply. Water from the project supports the 1,110 MW Ukai Thermal Power Plant, the 305 MW Ukai Hydropower Plant and the 1,840 MW Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.

The reservoir also contributes to drinking water supplies for cities and towns in Bharuch, Surat, Navsari and Valsad districts through municipal corporations, municipalities and various water supply schemes in the command area.

Industrial users, including GIDC units, J.K. Paper Mill and sugar factories, also receive water from the project.

The Tapi, on which the project is built, originates at Multai in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh and flows for 724 km, including 214 km through Gujarat. It is Gujarat’s second-largest west-flowing river.

The catchment area upstream of the Ukai Reservoir covers 62,225 square kilometres.

Water storage levels in the reservoir during the monsoon are regulated according to prescribed levels set out in the relevant operating manual, allowing the reservoir to serve its multiple functions of water storage, irrigation and flood management.

The project is also described by the state government as playing a role in flood control and supporting industrial development alongside irrigation, drinking water supply and power generation.

“The project continues to operate under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the leadership of Minister of State for Water Resources and Water Supply, Ishwarsinh Patel,” officials said.

With infrastructure dating back to the pre-Gujarat period and the Ukai Dam having been completed more than five decades ago, the Ukai-Kakrapar system remains an important part of the state’s water management network, serving agricultural, urban, industrial and energy requirements across South Gujarat.

–IANS

mys/rad