Gujarat: Ukai-Kakrapar project spans 600 sq km, providing irrigation benefits to 3.31 lakh hectares
Gandhinagar, August 10
The Ukai-Kakrapar Multipurpose Project, built on the Tapi River, continues to play a crucial role in meeting the irrigation, power, drinking water and industrial needs of Gujarat, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Located at Ukai village in Songadh taluka of Tapi district, the project is one of the state's oldest major multipurpose projects. Its foundation was laid in 1949, even before Gujarat came into existence as a separate state.
The project was developed in two phases. The first phase involved construction of the 633.50-metre-long Kakrapar Weir between 1949 and 1954. The second phase began with the construction of the Ukai Dam in 1964, following approvals from the Planning Commission in 1961 and the state government in 1962. The dam was completed in 1972, while the reservoir was filled for the first time in 1973.
Spread over nearly 600 square kilometres, the reservoir has a total storage capacity of 7,497 million cubic metres (MCM), including a live storage capacity of 6,615 MCM. The reservoir stretches about 112 km upstream of the dam and has a perimeter of around 525 km at full reservoir level. The project provides irrigation benefits to 3.31 lakh hectares across Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Tapi and Valsad districts. Water is also supplied through various lift irrigation projects to agricultural areas and rural communities covering hundreds of villages.
Beyond irrigation, the Ukai project is an important component of Gujarat's power and water infrastructure. Its water supports power generation at the Ukai Thermal Power Plant, Ukai Hydropower Plant and Kakrapar Atomic Power Station, with capacities of 1,110 MW, 305 MW and 1,840 MW respectively.
The project also meets drinking water requirements in parts of Bharuch, Surat, Navsari and Valsad districts. Industrial units, including those in GIDC areas, sugar factories and the J.K. Paper Mill, also receive water from the project.
The Tapi, which originates at Multai in Madhya Pradesh, flows for around 724 km before meeting the Arabian Sea. About 214 km of its course lies in Gujarat. The Ukai reservoir therefore remains central to managing the river's water for multiple uses.
The project also plays an important role in flood management, irrigation and supporting economic activity in South Gujarat, making it a critical piece of the state's water infrastructure.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Born and raised in Surat, I've seen firsthand how Ukai dam has transformed our region. Not just for farming, but it also provides drinking water to our cities. However, I wish the authorities would address the siltation issue - the storage capacity has reduced over the years. Maintenance is key for such mega projects.
The fact that it supports Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (1840 MW) alongside thermal and hydro plants shows how multipurpose projects can drive energy security. With India's growing power demands, we need more such integrated projects. But we also need to think about climate change - Tapi's flow patterns are changing. Need better catchment area management!
Interesting read. I studied water management in the US, and Gujarat's approach to multipurpose river projects is quite impressive. The 600 sq km reservoir is massive. But I wonder about the resettlement aspects - were the displaced communities properly rehabilitated back in the 60s-70s? Historical context matters.
My family's farmland in Navsari benefits directly from this project. Without Ukai, South Gujarat's sugarcane and banana farming would collapse. Also, it's a beautiful sight during monsoon when the dam is full! Wish they'd promote it as a tourism spot too. 😊
Important project, no doubt. But we must also discuss the environmental cost - 112 km of river submergence and loss of forest land. Time to have an honest conversation about balancing development and ecology. Maybe we can learn from newer projects like Narmada regarding better planning.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.