Gandhinagar: CM Bhupendra Patel chairs high-level meeting on summer drinking water planning in State

ANI April 15, 2025 173 views

Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has proactively addressed potential summer water challenges through a strategic high-level meeting in Gandhinagar. The comprehensive plan involves coordinating multiple departments to ensure drinking water accessibility across the state's villages and towns. Specific directives were issued for water supply in critical regions like Saurashtra and Kutch, utilizing Narmada water resources effectively. The state has established robust monitoring mechanisms, including a 24x7 control room and specialized repair teams, to maintain uninterrupted water supply.

"Ensure adequate water supply through effective coordination between departments" - CM Bhupendra Patel
Gandhinagar, April 15: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a high-level meeting in Gandhinagar to conduct a comprehensive review of the planning and preparedness to ensure adequate and easily accessible drinking water for citizens during the summer, a release said.

Key Points

1

Narmada-based schemes cover 10,659 villages and 190 towns

2

207 reservoirs hold 14,269.73 million cubic meters water storage

3

24x7 control room and toll-free number 1916 established for water monitoring

To ensure adequate water supply to the people, the CM directed effective coordination between the Water Supply Department, Water Resources Department, and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam.

Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya, Minister of State Mukesh Patel, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Chief Minister's Advisor Rathore, Narmada Nigam CMD Mukesh Puri, and Additional Chief Secretary (Narmada) CV Som, along with other senior secretaries, attended the meeting.

A presentation made before the Chief Minister during the meeting outlined the current status of the state's reservoirs and the initiatives undertaken by the Water Supply Department to ensure the easy availability of drinking water to the public.

Water from 62 reservoirs across the state has been reserved exclusively for drinking purposes. Additionally, the release informed that 207 reservoirs, including the Sardar Sarovar Dam, collectively hold a water storage capacity of 14,269.73 million cubic meters.

CM Patel specifically directed the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam to ensure an adequate supply of Narmada water in the Vallabhipur Branch Canal to meet the needs of the Saurashtra region. He also emphasised the need to fill the Tappar Dam from the Narmada Canal as required throughout the year to prevent any drinking water shortages in the Kutch district.

According to details provided by the Water Supply Department, out of a total of 18,152 villages/292 towns in the state, drinking water is supplied to 15,720 villages/251 towns through approximately 372 group schemes.

Of these, 10,659 villages/190 towns are covered under Narmada-based schemes, while 5,061 villages and 61 towns receive water through other dam-based schemes.

In addition, a 24x7 control room and toll-free number 1916 have been set up in Gandhinagar to monitor the water supply situation. Principal Secretary (Water Supply) Shahmeena Husain provided details of the 119 teams appointed for hand pump repairs during the meeting.

CM Bhupendra Patel also held discussions with Narmada Nigam CMD Mukesh Puri regarding the planning and measures needed to ensure a consistent supply of water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Water Resources Secretary Vyas and other concerned officials were also present at the meeting.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good to see proactive planning for summer water needs! The 24x7 control room is a smart move. Hope the execution matches the planning 🤞
P
Priya M.
As someone from Kutch, I really appreciate the focus on Tappar Dam. Water scarcity has been a major issue here every summer. Hope this year will be different!
A
Amit S.
While the planning seems thorough, I wonder how they'll ensure equitable distribution. Some villages near my hometown always face shortages despite being part of these schemes.
S
Sunita P.
The numbers are impressive - 14,269 million cubic meters! But what about water quality monitoring? Quantity is important but so is clean drinking water đź’§
V
Vikram J.
Great initiative! The hand pump repair teams will be a lifesaver for rural areas. Maybe they should also educate people on water conservation methods?
N
Neha R.
Hope they implement rainwater harvesting projects too. Relying only on reservoirs isn't sustainable in the long run. Otherwise good planning though! đź‘Ť

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Tags:
Gujarat Water Management Bhupendra Patel Summer Water Planning Narmada Water Supply Drinking Water Strategy
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