Kalpasar Dam Project Dholera
The Kalpasar Project aims to create a major freshwater reservoir, improve regional connectivity, and boost fisheries and agriculture in Gujarat.
Kalpasar Dam
The Kalpasar Project aims to create a substantial fresh water reservoir in the Gulf of Khambat, located in the state of Gujarat, India. This ambitious infrastructure project involves constructing a 30 km dam across the Gulf of Khambat. The primary objective of the dam is to harness and store the runoff from several major rivers, including the Sabarmati, Mahi, Dhadar, and Narmada, as well as waters from various Saurashtra rivers that flow into the Gulf.
The dam will not only serve as a massive reservoir for fresh water but also significantly enhance regional connectivity. A 10-lane road link will be constructed over the dam, which will dramatically reduce travel time between the Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions. This improved transportation infrastructure is expected to facilitate better economic and social integration between these areas.
The Kalpasar Project is designed to bolster both fresh and salt-water fisheries. It includes provisions for the development of two major carp hatcheries, which will support the growth of fisheries in the newly created reservoir as well as in the surrounding salt-water lakes. This initiative aims to enhance local fish production and support the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing.
The project's successful implementation is anticipated to contribute significantly to agricultural development by providing a reliable source of irrigation water. Additionally, it will support industrial water needs, thus promoting overall economic growth in the region.
Once the Gulf is closed, water levels within the reservoir can be managed, while tidal fluctuations outside the reservoir will continue. This setup allows for the harnessing of tidal energy. Beyond fresh water storage and tidal energy production, the Kalpasar project also aims to reclaim land, improve transportation, and develop fisheries. According to this project, a large fresh water reservoir will be created upstream of the dam by capturing the surplus waters of various rivers.
Highlights of Dholera Kalpasar Dam
- Spending began in earnest in 2004 and by 2018 INR 250 crore has been spent on various feasibility studies and surveys.
- By July 2019, 25 of the 43 feasibility studies for the ecological, environmental, social and financial impact, etc were complete, 8 more were underway, remaining 10 surveys will take 3 to 5 years to complete i.e. by 2021-23.
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) was intended to be completed by the end of 2018.
- As of 2018, no environmental or other clearances have been obtained for the Kalpasar dam.
- Meanwhile the construction of the Bhadhut barrage, which is a smaller component of the project, will commence from 2020.
- More than 30,000 MCM of water from Narmada river alone flows out annually into the sea due to the lack of storage capacity and dams, thus experts have been calling for a review of Gujarat's Water Policy to expedite the Kalpasar project.
- Kalpasar dam: The size of Kalpasar dam has been reduced by shifting the alignment towards north, from Kala Talav village in Bhavnagar district to Aladar village north of Port of Dahej in Bharuch district.
- Kalpasar irrigation command and channels: Various canals and channels will be built in the Saurashtra to irrigate the farms from "Kalpasar dam".
