Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited the Dharoi Dam region in North Gujarat to oversee the development of multiple tourism projects and guide efforts to transform the area into a sustainable tourism and pilgrimage destination.
Three-Phase Development Plan Underway
The Dharoi Dam region is being developed through a three-phase plan with an estimated investment of Rs. 1,100 crore. The initiative, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, focuses on spiritual, eco, adventure, and recreational tourism to create local employment and promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign.
Dharoi will be developed as an ‘Iconic Place’ on par with other renowned destinations in Gujarat. The project also aims to create an integrated tourism circuit by linking sites such as Polo Forest, Taranga, Vadnagar, and Ambaji.
Water Storage and Dam Safety Reviewed
During his visit, Mr. Patel chaired a high-level dam safety review meeting. Officials reported that Dharoi Dam is currently at 70.80% of its storage capacity, while the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam holds 4,889 million cubic meters of water.
Gujarat has 1,124 reservoirs, including 22 major, 96 medium, and 1,006 minor dams. According to officials, 523 dams with a capacity of over 1 MCM were inspected pre-monsoon in May 2024, and all were deemed safe. An additional 600 smaller dams were also reviewed and declared secure.
Real-Time Monitoring and Coordination Efforts
To ensure effective coordination, water level and rainfall data from upstream regions of Sardar Sarovar Dam are being shared in real-time through WhatsApp, email, and Google Sheets among concerned authorities.
State data shows:
- 25+ reservoirs are filled to 100% or more
- 56 reservoirs have 70–100% storage
- 43 between 50–70%
- 42 between 25–50%
- 40 below 25% capacity
High-Level Officials Join Inspection
Mr. Patel was joined by Chief Secretary Mr. Pankaj Joshi (1989-batch IAS officer), Principal Advisor to the CM Dr. Hasmukh Adhia (1981-batch IAS officer), Additional Chief Secretary Mr. M.K. Das (1990-batch IAS officer), Advisor Mr. S.S. Rathore, SSNNL Chairman and MD Mr. Mukesh Puri (1988-batch IAS officer), Additional Principal Secretary Ms. Avantika Singh (2003-batch IAS officer), Tourism Secretary Dr. Rajender Kumar (2004-batch IAS officer), Water Resources Secretary Mr. P.C. Vyas, and Tourism Corporation MD Mr. Prabhav Joshi (2014-batch IAS officer).
Focus on Green Development and Local Engagement
During the site inspection, Mr. Patel emphasized increasing the green cover around the Dharoi reservoir and promoting sustainable development. He also stressed the role of local communities in tourism-led growth.
The visit was also attended by MP Mr. Hari Patel, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Bharatsinh Dabhi, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Mayank Nayak, Mehsana MLA Mr. Mukesh Patel, and Kheralu MLA Mr. Sardar Chaudhary, along with senior officials from the Water Resources, SSNNL, and Tourism Departments.
