Gujarat: Approval Granted for Kenwal Lake Restoration Project in Anand
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Synopsis
The Gujarat government has approved a significant project for the restoration of Kenwal Lake, which will enhance water supply for irrigation and drinking across many villages and towns.
Key Takeaways
- The project is worth Rs 79 crore.
- Kenwal Lake restores water supply to 1,987 villages.
- Construction work is expected to begin shortly.
- Significant water conservation initiatives are in place.
- Gujarat's water supply infrastructure serves over 2.25 crore people.
Anand, March 3 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has sanctioned a Rs 79 crore initiative aimed at the desilting and remolding of Kenwal Lake, which is a crucial water resource in Anand.
The tendering phase is almost complete, and construction is anticipated to begin shortly. The 16-year-old lake, covering 525 hectares, is set for rehabilitation, with around 17-18 percent of its area designated for desilting and reshaping, as announced by Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Kunwarjibhai Bawaliya in the Legislative Assembly.
Kenwal Lake is essential for water supply, providing drinking water to approximately 1,987 villages and irrigation for 1,436 hectares of farmland.
Moreover, it supports nine cities, including Ahmedabad.
The restoration initiative will involve strengthening embankments, building a protective wall, laying paver blocks, and developing roads. In response to legislative inquiries, Minister Bawaliya emphasized that Kenwal Lake is a cornerstone of Gujarat's water supply framework, facilitating irrigation, drinking water distribution, and fisheries.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Water Supply Minister Narottambhai Patel for his work on the water supply scheme, especially benefiting Saurashtra and his constituency, Jasdan. Gujarat has made substantial advancements in water supply infrastructure, ensuring access to drinking water for both rural and urban communities.
The state manages numerous water supply initiatives, aiding over 2.25 crore individuals across 18,000+ villages and 200+ towns. Significant projects include the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, which promotes water conservation, and the Sardar Sarovar Project, which provides drinking water to more than 9,000 villages and 173 towns.
The Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB) oversees rural and urban water distribution through regional and group water supply schemes.
Additionally, the SAUNI Yojana (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation) is crucial for transporting surplus Narmada water to the drought-stricken areas of Saurashtra.
Efforts for groundwater recharge, desalination plants, and rainwater harvesting are also in place to guarantee long-term water security.
