Surat: For the first time in the ongoing monsoon season, the gates of Ukai Dam, the largest in South Gujarat and the second largest in the state, have been opened to release water into the downstream Tapi river towards Surat. This decision was taken as the water level in the reservoir neared the rule level of 102.11 metres, which must be maintained until September 1.

At 12:00 noon on Tuesday, the dam was at 101.97 metres, just below its rule level. Inflow was recorded at 95,364 cusecs, while outflow stood at 22,364 cusecs into the river and 800 cusecs through the canal, with no gates opened. However, by 2:00 pm, the water level touched 102.00 metres and gross storage reached 5,662.89 MCM (76.38% of capacity). With inflows surging to 1,27,678 cusecs, nine gates of the dam were opened up to 1.52 metres, discharging 97,939 cusecs into the river, while canal release remained at 800 cusecs.

It is believed that the rule level of 102.11 metres will be achieved in the next day or two, after which outflow will be same as the inflow. The full reservoir level of Ukai Dam is 105.16 metres.

Meanwhile, Gujarat’s largest reservoir, the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river, is 77.30% full at a present water level of 131.70 metres against its full reservoir level of 138.68 metres. The dam is receiving an inflow of 95,148 cusecs, with more than 51,000 cusecs being discharged downstream. DeshGujarat