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Key Points

Heavy monsoon rains have filled 76 dams in Gujarat, including the Sardar Sarovar, to 70-100% capacity. The rainfall has boosted kharif sowing, covering 87% of cultivable land with crops like groundnut and cotton. IMD has issued warnings for fishermen due to rough sea conditions. Long-term data shows an 11% rise in Gujarat’s annual rainfall, reshaping agriculture and water management strategies.

Key Points: Gujarat Monsoon Fills 76 Dams Including Sardar Sarovar to 70-100%

  • Sardar Sarovar Dam reaches 76.4% capacity amid heavy monsoon
  • Kharif sowing covers 87% of cultivable land in Gujarat
  • IMD warns fishermen of rough seas till August 21
  • Gujarat’s annual rainfall rises 11% over the past decade
2 min read

Widespread rainfall fills 76 dams across Gujarat, boosts kharif sowing to 87 pc

Heavy rains boost Gujarat’s dam levels to 70-100%, aiding kharif sowing on 87% of farmland while IMD warns fishermen of rough seas.

"Gujarat has received 68.91% of its average seasonal rainfall, with South Gujarat leading at 72%. – State Emergency Operation Centre"

Ahmedabad, Aug 18

Heavy monsoon showers across Gujarat have led to a significant rise in water levels across the state’s reservoirs. As of August 18, 76 out of the state’s 207 dams -- including the lifeline Sardar Sarovar -- have reached between 70 per cent and 100 per cent of their storage capacity, placing them on ‘high alert.’

Additionally, 26 dams are on ‘alert’ and 22 are on ‘warning.’ The Sardar Sarovar Dam alone is currently holding 76.40 per cent of its full capacity.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Gujarat has so far received 68.91 per cent of its average seasonal rainfall, with the highest rainfall in South Gujarat at 72 per cent, followed by North Gujarat (71 per cent), Kutch (70 per cent), East-Central Gujarat (69 per cent), and Saurashtra (63 per cent).

In the past 24 hours, heavy showers were reported in several regions, with Dhoraji in Rajkot recording over 3 inches, Malia-Hatina over 2 inches, and more than 1 inch in 24 other talukas.

The rainfall has provided a major boost to agriculture, with kharif sowing completed on more than 87 per cent of cultivable land in the state. Groundnut has been sown in 20 lakh hectares, followed by cotton on 27.3 lakh hectares, and paddy in 8.43 lakh hectares, according to the Agriculture Department.

Meanwhile, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea between August 18 and 21 due to weather conditions.

Over the past decade, Gujarat has seen a notable rise in average annual rainfall, climbing from approximately 797 mm (1985-2014) to 882 mm (1995-2024), marking an increase of around 11 per cent, with Kutch witnessing the sharpest surge at 25 per cent and Saurashtra following with a 15 per cent rise.

This trend has been accompanied by more intense, erratic downpours that have reshaped regional climate dynamics -- 12 out of 33 districts now experience over 50 per cent more seasonal rain compared to the 2014-23 average, with Devbhoomi Dwarka recording a staggering 135 per cent rise.

Analyses stretching back to 1871 place the long-term annual normal rainfall at 839 mm, with July typically delivering about 329 mm or nearly 40 per cent of the seasonal average. These shifts are increasingly affecting agriculture, water management, and urban planning, urging stakeholders to adopt adaptive strategies such as improved drainage, strategic crop planning, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While the rainfall is welcome, I'm concerned about the 'intense, erratic downpours' mentioned. My village in Saurashtra faced flooding last week. We need better water management systems to handle these changing patterns.
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Arjun K
Sardar Sarovar at 76% capacity is music to my ears! This means better water supply for drinking and irrigation across Gujarat and even neighboring states. Kudos to the water management teams!
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Sarah B
The 25% rainfall increase in Kutch is remarkable! As someone working in rural development, I've seen how this has transformed lives in what was once considered a desert region. Nature is full of surprises!
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Karthik V
Groundnut in 20 lakh hectares and cotton in 27.3 lakh hectares - these numbers show Gujarat's agricultural strength. But we must ensure farmers get fair prices for their produce. Monsoon is just the first step in the journey.
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Nisha Z
The IMD warning for fishermen is crucial. We often ignore these alerts, but safety must come first. Hope the fishing communities along Gujarat's long coastline heed this warning seriously.

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