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How Surat's Ukai Dam Has Powered Gujarat's Farmers for 54 Years

The Ukai Dam, known as the lifeline of South Gujarat, has irrigated 331,000 hectares of land across Surat, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad districts for over 50 years. Its hydropower units generate 305 megawatts, producing 3,000 million units of electricity valued at ₹1,000 crore in the last seven years. Farmers like Chandubhai Gamit rely on the dam for irrigation even during droughts, enabling year-round farming. The dam also supplies drinking water to five districts, supporting millions of people and driving regional economic development.

Key Points: Ukai Dam: Lifeline of South Gujarat's Farmers

  • Ukai Dam irrigates 331,000 hectares across South Gujarat
  • Generates 305 MW hydropower, worth ₹1,000 crore in 7 years
  • Supplies drinking water to 5 districts for 9 years
  • Built in 1972, spans 4,900 meters on Tapi River
2 min read

Gujarat: How Surat's Ukai Dam has powered farmers' lives over the decades​

Discover how Surat's Ukai Dam has irrigated 331,000 hectares, generated 3,000 million units of electricity, and transformed farming for over five decades.

"The Ukai Dam is like a blessing for us. Even during the month of June, we are able to carry out our farming activities, thanks to the Ukai Dam. - Farmer Chandubhai Gamit"

Surat, April 28

The Ukai Dam, popularly known as the "lifeline of South Gujarat", has been making a significant contribution to the state's development and prosperity for the past five decades.

The water reservoir has provided irrigation to 331,000 hectares of land, transforming the region into a lush green landscape.​

The Ukai Dam, also known as 'Vallabh Sagar', remains an unparalleled example of engineering prowess and covers agricultural land spread across several districts, including Surat, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad.​

The dam, spanning 4,900 meters and 345 feet in height, boasts a water storage capacity of 7,414 million cubic meters and has been a blessing for the farming community.​

A couple of farmers, sharing their experience, said that the water reservoir remained their constant source of irrigation even during droughts.​

Farmer Chandubhai Gamit stated, "We are engaged in farming. The Ukai Dam is like a blessing for us. Even during the month of June, we are able to carry out our farming activities, thanks to the Ukai Dam."​

Possessing the capacity to supply drinking water to the entirety of South Gujarat for nine years, this dam today not only quenches the thirst of millions of people and irrigates millions of hectares of land but also makes a significant contribution to the prosperity and well-being of Gujarat by fostering industrial and economic development across the entire region.​

The Ukai reservoir has also proven to be a 'power bank,' illuminating South Gujarat. Hydro-power units with a combined capacity of 305 megawatts are currently operational at the Ukai Dam. Over the last seven years, these units have generated approximately 3,000 million units of electricity, valued at around ₹1,000 crore.​

S.V. Jagirdar, the Executive Engineer of the Ukai Dam, remarked, "Ukai Dam possesses an electricity generation capacity of 305 megawatts." Over the past seven years, more than 3,000 million units of electricity have been generated, valued at ₹1,000 crore, and the water from this source is supplied to five districts of South Gujarat.​

Constructed across the Tapi River in Surat, the Ukai Dam serves as the lifeline of South Gujarat. Established in 1972, this dam has played a pivotal role in fostering Gujarat's development and prosperity for the past 54 years.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the benefits of Ukai Dam, we must also acknowledge the environmental cost. The displacement of tribal communities during construction is often overlooked. My family in Tapi district still remembers how their ancestral lands were submerged. Yes, irrigation is important, but we need a balanced view that respects both development and the people who paid the price for it.
J
James A
Impressive engineering! 305 MW hydro power and irrigating 331,000 hectares is no small feat. It's amazing how multi-purpose dams like Ukai can address water, energy, and food security simultaneously. India needs more such infrastructure projects, but with better rehabilitation policies.
V
Vikram M
Being from Surat, I've grown up hearing "Ukai bachavela" (Ukai saved us) during every drought summer. The dam isn't just infrastructure - it's an emotion for millions of Gujaratis. From drinking water to powering our industries, it's the backbone of South Gujarat. Proud of our Vallabh Sagar! 💧🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Great article but I wish they'd mentioned the siltation problem. Ukai's storage capacity has reduced by nearly 20% over the decades due to soil erosion upstream. We need more investment in catchment area treatment and afforestation. Otherwise, our 'lifeline' might not last another 50 years. Just saying.
S
Sarah B
It's wonderful to see infrastructure that directly impacts rural livelihoods. The fact that farmers can cultivate in June even before monsoon sets

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