Gujarat Building First Air-filled Rubber Dams in Tapi
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Gujarat has fast-tracked the construction of its first two modern air-filled rubber dams in Chhotaudepur and Tapi districts. The two projects, with a combined investment of more than ₹162 crore, are expected to improve irrigation, enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen water conservation in the region.
According to Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Ishwar Patel, the projects are being developed on the Heran River in Bodeli taluka of Chhota Udepur district and the Ambika River in Tapi district.
Tapi rubber dam 90% complete
The project is being constructed across the Ambika River at Pathakwadi village in Tapi district at a cost of ₹79.13 crore. The project is already 90% complete.
Designed under the Japanese Code 2000, the dam uses an 18 mm to 32 mm thick South Korean rubber bladder capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 50°C. The inflatable structure has an estimated lifespan of 30 years.
The dam will be operated through a SCADA-based automated control system, eliminating the need for manual operation. Once commissioned, it is expected to provide irrigation benefits to around 650 hectares of agricultural land.
Rajvasna rubber dam in Chhota Udepur 75% complete
The Rajvasna Rubber Dam across the Heran River is being built at an estimated cost of ₹82.97 crore and is scheduled for completion by September 2027. Nearly 75% of the construction work has already been completed.
The project features an inflatable South Korean rubber bladder measuring 180 metres in length and 3.5 metres in height. Once operational, it will increase the storage capacity of the existing weir to 3.5 million cubic metres (MCM), benefiting thousands of farmers across 25 villages through improved groundwater levels and sustainable irrigation.
Modern technology to improve water management
The two rubber dams mark Gujarat's entry into advanced water management infrastructure using inflatable dam technology. Besides increasing water storage capacity, the projects are expected to improve groundwater recharge, support agriculture and ensure more efficient management of river water resources in the state.
