Gujarat to release 16 MCFT water from Lakhanka dam for Bhavnagar villages
Gandhinagar, May 6
The Gujarat government has decided to release 16 million cubic feet of water from Lakhanka Dam in Bhavnagar district to address water scarcity faced by farmers and villagers during the summer season.
The decision was made on Tuesday following a representation made to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The decision will enable the filling of check dams in the downstream villages of Adhewada and Malanka, with officials indicating that it is expected to provide relief to local agriculture and animal husbandry by improving water availability in the region.
The issue was brought to the attention of Minister Jitu Vaghani by Bhavnagar Diamond Association President Bharatbhai Maniya (Talwar), who highlighted the difficulties faced by residents due to water shortages.
Taking note of the matter, Minister Vaghani raised it with the Chief Minister and Water Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel, urging an immediate and appropriate intervention.
Responding to the representation, the state's Narmada and Water Resources Department approved the release of water from Lakhanka Dam.
The move is intended to replenish local water bodies and support communities that experience seasonal declines in water levels.
Minister Vaghani said, "Water will be released through the dam gates to fill the check dams in the downstream villages of Adhewada and Malanka, which will greatly benefit local agriculture and animal husbandry."
He added that the decision would help raise water levels in areas that face shortages during the intense summer and provide significant relief to residents.
Expressing gratitude, Minister Vaghani said the decision reflected a positive approach by the Chief Minister towards addressing public concerns.
He conveyed thanks on behalf of farmers and villagers of Bhavnagar for what he described as a public welfare measure.
The decision has been welcomed in rural areas of the district, where water scarcity remains a recurring concern during the summer months.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Nice move by the CM. But honestly, this feels like a temporary band-aid. We need permanent solutions like better rainwater harvesting and check dam maintenance year-round. Why always wait for a crisis?
16 MCFT is good but will it actually fill both check dams completely? These summer releases often get absorbed halfway. Hope the local administration monitors distribution properly. Dairy farmers in Malanka really need this for their buffaloes.
Appreciate the proactive approach - CM Patel and Minister Vaghani acted quickly. But let's also remember that Bhavnagar diamond association's involvement shows how water scarcity affects every sector. Good teamwork between industry and government.
In my village near Bhavnagar, we've been digging deeper borewells every summer. This water release will help, but why isn't there more focus on linking this dam with the Narmada grid? We need systemic change, not just emergency releases. Still, grateful for any help. 🙏
Interesting to see how local industry (diamond association) can influence government decisions. In the US, we'd have a lot more bureaucracy and lawsuits before this happens. Not saying it's perfect, but the speed of response here is impressive.
Good decision but let
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