SAUNI YOJANA (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojana) is an ambitious water management project launched by the Gujarat government to address the acute water shortage in the Saurashtra region. Let's break down the project in more detail:
Background and Need:
- Saurashtra Region: Saurashtra is a semi-arid region in Gujarat, prone to water scarcity due to its limited rainfall and inadequate water resources. The region frequently experiences droughts, leading to problems in agriculture, drinking water supply, and overall development.
- Narmada River: The Narmada River, originating in Madhya Pradesh, is a major water source in Gujarat. The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River stores a large amount of water, but it’s located far from Saurashtra.
Objective of SAUNI YOJANA:
- **Water Redistribution**: The primary aim of SAUNI YOJANA is to transport surplus water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam to the water-deficient areas of Saurashtra. The goal is to fill up the region's 115 major dams, thereby enhancing water availability for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
Project Components:
1. Pipeline Network:
- The project involves laying about 1,125 kilometers of pipelines to transport water from the Narmada River to Saurashtra. These pipelines are divided into four “link” phases, with each phase focusing on different dams and areas.
2. Lift Irrigation:
- Because the Saurashtra region is at a higher elevation compared to the Narmada River, water needs to be lifted or pumped to reach these heights. This is done using powerful pumping stations along the pipeline route.
3. Dams and Reservoirs:
- The project aims to fill 115 reservoirs and dams in the Saurashtra region. Once filled, these water bodies can store water during the monsoon and provide a steady supply throughout the year.
Phases of the Project:
- Link 1: Focuses on filling 30 dams in Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts with water from the Machhu-2 Reservoir.
- Link 2: Targets filling 17 dams in Rajkot, Morbi, and Surendranagar districts with water drawn from the Limbdi Bhogavo-II Reservoir.
- Link 3: Aims at filling 36 dams in Bhavnagar, Amreli, and Gir Somnath districts with water from the Limbdi Bhogavo-II Reservoir.
- Link 4: Plans to fill 32 dams in Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Junagadh districts with water from the Dholidhaja Reservoir.
Benefits:
1. Irrigation:
- SAUNI YOJANA will irrigate around 1.8 million acres of land in Saurashtra. This is a significant boost for farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture, enabling them to grow more crops and improve their livelihoods.
2. Drinking Water Supply:
- The project will provide a reliable source of drinking water to towns and villages in Saurashtra, reducing dependency on unpredictable rainfall.
3. Industrial Growth:
- Improved water availability will support industrial activities in the region, contributing to economic development.
4. Drought Mitigation:
- By ensuring a consistent water supply, SAUNI YOJANA helps mitigate the effects of droughts, which have historically plagued the region.
Challenges:
High Costs:
The project is highly capital-intensive, requiring significant investment in infrastructure, maintenance, and energy for pumping water.
Environmental Concerns:
The large-scale movement of water and construction activities can have environmental impacts, such as changes in local ecosystems and potential displacement of communities.
Implementation Complexity:
Coordinating the construction and operation of such a vast network of pipelines, pumping stations, and reservoirs is a complex task requiring meticulous planning and execution.
Conclusion:
SAUNI YOJANA represents a bold and comprehensive effort to solve the chronic water shortages in Saurashtra by utilizing the excess water from the Narmada River. While the project comes with challenges, its potential to transform the region by providing water security, improving agricultural productivity, and supporting economic growth makes it a vital initiative for Gujarat’s development.
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