Narmada: The Sardar Sarovar Dam, the largest dam in Gujarat and the lifeline of the state, has achieved 95% of its capacity. As of 1 PM today, the dam holds 9,051.90 MCM of water, reaching 95.69% of its gross storage capacity. With heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment area and upstream in Madhya Pradesh, the dam is receiving substantial inflow of 2,78,438 cusecs, while releasing 1,95,396 cusecs into the river and 22,704 cusecs into the canal network. The dam’s 10 gates have been partially opened, with an average opening of 2.1 m, ensuring controlled water release downstream.

Other major reservoirs in the state also continue to witness healthy inflows, with most dams storing close to or at full capacity, providing relief for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric requirements.

The second-largest dam, Ukai Dam, located on the Tapi River, is 94.91% full, holding 7,036.82 MCM. With inflow at 69,349 cusecs, the water level is just less than a meter below its full reservoir level of 105.16 m.

The third-largest dam, Kadana, is already at 100% capacity with 1,249.30 MCM, overflowing with 16,025 cusecs. Panam Dam, another among the state’s five largest dams, is also full, while Dharoi Dam in North Gujarat stands at 96.78% capacity, storing 786.96 MCM as of 1 PM today.

Among other major reservoirs, Damanganga Dam is 96.29% full, holding 505.41 MCM with inflow at 8,720 cusecs, while Watrak Dam is 98.07% full, storing 155.15 MCM.

Among dams with over 100 MCM capacity, Sipu Dam remains the only one with lower storage, standing at 15.35% with 24.78 MCM.

Meanwhile, the state has received 109.40% of its annual seasonal rainfall, with 964.72 mm against the average of 882 mm (1995–2024). Among the regions, Kutch has recorded the highest rainfall, 35% above normal, followed by North Gujarat, South Gujarat, and East-Central Gujarat, which have received 118%, 114%, and 111%, respectively. The only region yet to reach 100% of average rainfall is Surat, which has received 708 mm, accounting for 94.8% of the seasonal average.

The high water levels across the state’s reservoirs are being carefully managed to balance irrigation needs, hydroelectric generation, and flood control. Officials have urged downstream communities to remain alert as controlled water releases continue from major dams. DeshGujarat