Narmada dam on verge of overflowing, water level reaches 136 metres, dam 91% full

The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat is nearing full capacity, with the water level recorded at 136.20 metres on Friday night, just short of its maximum level of 138.68 metres. The reservoir is currently 91.59% full.

Following heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment, the inflow into the dam rose sharply, prompting authorities to open 23 gates earlier in the day. At that time, the dam registered an inflow of 5.90 lakh cusecs of water. 

However, as rains subsided in the upper regions and inflow from the Omkareshwar Dam decreased, the water level began to recede. Consequently, eight gates were closed later, leaving 15 gates open by 9 pm, each raised by 3.10 metres. This led to the release of 3.35 lakh cusecs of water into the downstream areas.

Along with six turbines of the riverbed powerhouse running, a total of 3.80 lakh cusecs of water is currently being discharged from the dam.

Since its inauguration in 2017, this is the sixth time 23 gates have been opened. The dam has a total of 30 gates, comprising six of 760 x 60 feet and 23 of 60 x 55 feet. 

All gates were installed by June 17, 2017, and were first operated in August 2019. That year, following heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh, 26 gates were opened, preceded by the opening of 22 gates in July. Gates were again opened  in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now in 2025. Earlier this year, on July 31, five gates were opened before the latest release.

Meanwhile, Gujarat has received another spell of rain, with the state’s seasonal rainfall close to reaching the 100% mark. The downpour has enhanced the scenic beauty of the Statue of Unity and the Narmada River flowing around it. However, the rains have also worsened road conditions, slowing traffic movement. On National Highway 48, the situation has become particularly severe, with vehicles from Surat stuck in jams on the cable bridge, causing long queues along the highway.