Gujarat’s Sardar Sarovar Dam Hits Full Capacity For Seventh Time Since 2017

The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat reached its full reservoir level of 138.68 metres (455 feet) on Wednesday, marking the seventh time the reservoir has touched its maximum level since the project was dedicated to the nation in 2017.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional ‘Jal Pujan’ at the dam site in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, as the reservoir filled to capacity. The ceremony was held amid Vedic chants and celebrations, with Patel welcoming the Narmada waters.

The dam has reached its maximum level in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. At 138.68 metres, the reservoir has a total storage capacity of 9,460 million cubic metres (MCM).

The water stored at Sardar Sarovar is a crucial source for Gujarat’s drinking-water network. According to the state government, the project supplies drinking water to more than four crore people, covering 10,453 villages, 191 towns and seven municipal corporations.

The latest full-reservoir level also strengthens water availability for regions that frequently face water shortages. During the current water year, Narmada water has been diverted towards North Gujarat and the Saurashtra-Kutch regions through the Sujalam-Sufalam and SAUNI schemes.

Under Sujalam-Sufalam, around 201 MCM of water has been supplied, helping fill 1,028 ponds. The SAUNI scheme has supplied another 288 MCM, filling 167 ponds, 1,014 check dams and 45 dams, according to the government.

These transfers are designed to distribute Narmada water across reservoirs and local water bodies according to regional requirements, supporting drinking-water needs and improving water availability in drought-prone areas.

Patel, who performed the Jal Pujan for the third consecutive year as the reservoir reached full capacity, stressed the need for careful management of the resource. He said it was the collective responsibility to use the available water “wisely and systematically” and make optimal use of every drop.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the Sardar Sarovar Dam to the nation on September 17, 2017.