Saurashtra thirsty, rest of Gujarat has its fill

Hiral Dave, Gopal Kateshiya, Kamal Saiyed & Ritu Sharma

Cities and towns in Saurashtra are going thirsty with dams running dry and no sign of rains, though the situation in central and south Gujarat is comparatively less alarming.

Rajkot and Jamnagar have imposed water cuts to contain supply of drinking water.

From this week onwards, Rajkot will get water on alternate days — four times a week while Jamnagar will get only three times a week and go completely dry during the weekends.

Against the required 450 lakh gallons of water per day, Rajkot presently gets around 300 lakh gallons and Jamangar gets only half of the required 90 million litres per day.

"We have been trying to arrange for alternate water source. For that, survey and tests are on. Situation has been reviewed at regular intervals," said Rajkot Municipal Commissioner Ajay Bhadoo.

An official from Jamnagar Municipal Corporation said, "The additional cut has been imposed from Thursday." This means the city gets water for 12 days in a month. For Rajkot, it's 15 days.

The Rajkot Municipal Corporation draws water from Bhadar, Aji-I and Nyari-I dams, whose stock is fast depleting. Officials say in Aji-I, Bhadar and Nyari-I dams, the supply can be maintained for 62, 120 and 35 days respectively.

Reservoirs for Jamnagar, including Ranjitsagar, Sasoi, Und and Aji-III, collectively hold nearly 340 million cubic feet level, sufficient for a month or so.

Surat and its neighbouring districts get their drinking water from Ukai and Kakrapar dams. The Surat Municipal Corporation supplies water from the Rander weir-cum-causeway. However, Ukai dam gets water from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, besides local sources. Its catchment area is spread over 62,225 square kilometres. The water level stood at 303.37 feet on Friday against 315 feet in a normal season.

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