TNN | May 26, 2016, 12.34 PM IST
SURAT: For the first time in a decade, Ukai reservoir is left with only 12% of its total capacity of water. Although sufficient for a month, southern Gujarat towns and villages dependent on the water from Ukai will face sever water crisis if the monsoon gets delayed.
It is quite uncommon for this region to face water shortage. However, relatively poor monsoon of last couple of years in the upper catchments areas of Tapi River has led to this problem.
Usually, by the end of September, Ukai is filled to its maximum capacity every year that is over 7,400 MCM (million cubic meter) water is stored in the reservoir, which is enough for the rest of the year.
However, in 2014 and 2015 monsoon was not as expected and water levels in Ukai never reached its previous maximum levels.
"It has more to do with water management than anything else. The decision to discharge water with expectation of more water inflow is crucial," said a retired official from Ukai.
"Officials are scared after one bad experience of 2006 when the dam was filled to the maximum level, and no discharge was allowed. We had to discharge large quantity as more water flowed into the dam from the upstream. As a result, 90% of Surat city was inundated in flood waters causing major devastation," he added.
However, Surat irrigation circle officials are confident that region will not face water crisis this year.
Sandip Mahakal, superintendent engineer of Surat irrigation circle said, "We have sufficient water to wade us through till the rains arrive. There is sufficient water in dam to provide everyone for next few months."
Starting from Ankleswar to Valsad, all major towns including Bardoli, Vyara, Songadh, Navsari, Billimora, are provided water one way or other from the Ukai reservoir. Over 60 lakh people are dependent on this single source of water.
It also provides irrigation water for 2.04 lakh hectare land in south Gujarat.
