Gujarat's Methala Bandhara Project Approved: Irrigation Boost for 10 Villages
Synopsis
The Gujarat government has finally approved the Methala Bandhara project, promising to irrigate 6,550 hectares across 10 villages. With a budget of Rs 285 crore, this initiative aims to combat salinity intrusion and enhance groundwater levels, significantly benefiting local farmers.
Key Takeaways
Rs 285 crore allocated for the Methala Bandhara project.
Aims to irrigate 6,550 hectares across 10 villages .
Project will help manage salinity intrusion.
Expected completion in two years .
Will recharge groundwater and raise water levels in wells.
Gandhinagar/Bhavnagar, March 12 (NationPress) The Gujarat administration has approved a budget of Rs 285 crore for the long-awaited Methala bandhara initiative in Bhavnagar district. This scheme is anticipated to irrigate approximately 6,550 hectares of agricultural land across 10 villages and will also aid in curbing salinity intrusion in the coastal areas.
Water Resources Minister Ishwarsinh Patel emphasized the significance of the Methala Bandhara project in Talaja taluka, stating it plays a vital role in managing salinity in the region.
“The Methala Bandhara initiative is crucial for controlling salinity in the area,” he remarked.
According to Patel, the project is designed to store around 655 million cubic feet of rainwater, which will support irrigation for nearly 6,550 hectares of farmland in the targeted villages.
Additionally, the scheme will assist in groundwater recharge and increase water levels in nearby wells and borewells.
“This bandhara (check dam/barrier) will prevent seawater from penetrating further inland, thereby halting the rise in salinity levels. This project will be a significant boon for the local farmers,” the minister asserted.
He further mentioned that the project is expected to be finished within approximately two years after the completion of the tendering process.
Meanwhile, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia announced that the government has resolved the longstanding challenges associated with the project concerning forest land.
“The Methala bandhara is set to be constructed on the Bagad river close to Methala village in Talaja taluka of Bhavnagar district. This will inundate 598.2427 hectares of forest land. In exchange, an equivalent area of non-forest land in Monpur village, Vallabhipur taluka, has been allocated to the Forest Department,” Modhwadia explained.
He noted that the land granted to the Forest Department is adjacent to Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar, which could enhance its potential as a habitat for blackbuck and various other wildlife.
Modhwadia mentioned that the central government had provided preliminary approval for the project on March 15, 2024, as part of the necessary forest clearance procedure.
He concluded by stating that the state government's initiative will positively impact farmers and residents of the surrounding villages once the project becomes operational.
Point of View
The approval of the Methala Bandhara project by the Gujarat government represents a significant step towards enhancing agricultural sustainability in the region. By addressing salinity issues and improving irrigation facilities, this initiative promises to elevate the livelihoods of local farmers while fostering environmental resilience.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Methala Bandhara project?
The Methala Bandhara project is an irrigation initiative approved by the Gujarat government, aiming to irrigate 6,550 hectares across 10 villages while controlling salinity intrusion.
How much funding has been allocated for the project?
The Gujarat government has allocated Rs 285 crore for the Methala Bandhara project.
What are the environmental benefits of the Methala Bandhara?
The project will help recharge groundwater, increase water levels in wells and borewells, and prevent seawater from advancing inland, thereby controlling salinity.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The Methala Bandhara project is expected to be completed within approximately two years after the tendering process is finalized.
Where is the Methala Bandhara being constructed?
The Methala Bandhara is set to be constructed on the Bagad river near Methala village in Talaja taluka of Bhavnagar district.
