Porbandar/Junagadh, March 13 (NationPress) The Gujarat state administration has officially approved a significant Phase-2 initiative valued at Rs 1,423.4 crore aimed at permanently addressing flooding issues in the Ghed (low-lying) regions of Saurashtra, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

This project is designed to protect agricultural land and enhance water management in the Sorathi Ghed and Barada Ghed areas, which frequently endure severe waterlogging during the monsoon season.

State Water Resources and Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel stated, "Farmers from six talukas within the Ghed area will reap the benefits of this initiative. Phase-1, which received administrative approval for Rs 139.42 crore last April, is currently underway. Phase-1 encompasses 17 development initiatives, while Phase-2 consists of 12, both slated for completion within the next two years."

The cumulative expenditure for both Phase-1 and Phase-2 is projected to be Rs 1,534.19 crore, with Rs 1,184.18 crore allocated for Sorathi Ghed and Rs 350.01 crore for Barada Ghed.

This initiative will involve extensive river and canal desilting, the clearing of vegetation obstructing water flow, the removal of outdated check dams, and the construction of new drainage and water regulation systems.

Minister Patel noted, "The plans for Phase-2 have undergone a thorough review by IIT Gandhinagar based on the consultant's findings. The strategy includes bank protection, desilting efforts, the revitalization of blocked waterways, the establishment of water divide structures where necessary, and the enhancement of tidal regulators to boost water drainage capacity. Existing reservoirs and tidal regulators will be deepened and widened to improve water storage and minimize waste."

The Ghed region encompasses segments of Junagadh and Porbandar districts, covering the talukas of Keshod, Manavadar, Mangrol, Porbandar, Ranavav, and Kutiyana.

Sorathi Ghed stretches across Junagadh and Porbandar, while Barada Ghed is located within Porbandar district.

This area is shaped by the delta formed by several rivers, including the Bhadar, Ozat, Madhuvanti, and Minsar.

Due to the flat river mouths lacking defined banks, floodwaters can disperse across the region over the four to five months of monsoon, isolating villages and inundating farmland.

Minister Patel emphasized, "During the monsoon, substantial rainwater accumulates throughout the region, hindering agricultural practices."

He further remarked, "Outside of the monsoon, irrigation becomes problematic, and delays in sowing lead to reduced crop yields. Soil salinity and erosion also rise due to seawater intrusion and runoff from floodwaters."

The Minister acknowledged the contributions of Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, and local BJP MLAs in enabling this project.

"Ongoing collaboration between Central and state representatives has paved the way for a lasting solution to flooding in the Ghed areas, which will significantly aid both farmers and local residents," he concluded.

Phase-1 of the project includes river and canal desilting, removing obstructive vegetation, and dismantling structures that impede water flow.

Currently, three initiatives are in progress in Sorathi Ghed of Junagadh, seven in Sorathi Ghed of Porbandar, and seven in Barada Ghed, totaling 17 projects, all scheduled for completion before this year's monsoon season.