Ekta Nagar: In the lead-up to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted a detailed review of the preparations for National Unity Day celebrations at Ekta Nagar. On the ninth day of Navratri, the CM also performed Jal Pujan at the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which has now reached its full reservoir level of 138.68 meters (455 feet).
This ritual of honoring the Narmada River reaffirms the dam’s status as the lifeline of Gujarat’s Jal and Krushi Kranti (Water and Agricultural Revolutions).
Sardar Sarovar Dam Reaches Full Level for 6th Time Since 2017
Since its dedication by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2017, the Sardar Sarovar Dam has reached its full reservoir level six times — in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now in 2025. The dam currently holds a total storage capacity of 9,460 million cubic meters, ensuring:
- Drinking water supply to over 4 crore people
- Coverage across 10,453 villages, 190 cities, and 7 municipal corporations
Narmada Jal Pujan: Honoring Gujarat’s Lifeline
Accompanied by Vedic chants, CM Patel offered prayers to the Narmada River, urging citizens to use water judiciously. He interacted with visitors to the Statue of Unity and reviewed tourism and infrastructure facilities ahead of the grand parade on October 31, to be graced by PM Modi.
Read also: Navratri 2025: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Joins Garba Celebrations Across East Ahmedabad
Preparations for Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary Underway
The CM visited the Unity Parade Ground and reviewed the detailed program with officials, ahead of the National Unity Day Parade — held annually in the presence of the Prime Minister. This year’s celebration is particularly special, marking Sardar Saheb’s 150th birth anniversary.
Rapid Progress Under Sujalam-Sufalam & SAUNI Schemes
Following PM Modi’s 2014 approval for the dam’s completion, the Gujarat government installed all 30 gates 9 months ahead of schedule. As a result, this monsoon season saw massive water outreach:
Under Sujalam-Sufalam Yojana:
- 98 MCM (3431 MCFT) of water supplied
- 877 ponds filled
Under SAUNI Scheme:
- 114 MCM (3992 MCFT) of water distributed
- Filled: 36 ponds, 325 check dams, 31 dams
- Additional filling: 162 ponds, 1104 check dams, 30 dams
Narmada Revives 10 Rivers Across Gujarat
During the overflow period, surplus water from the dam revived 10 rivers, including:
- Pushpawati, Rupen, Banas, Saraswati, Sabarmati, Vatrak, Kun, Karad, Dev, and Heran.
Record Power Generation from Narmada Project
In addition to water supply, the Narmada Dam contributed significantly to Gujarat’s energy needs:
- 302 crore units generated this monsoon via River Bed and Canal Head Power Houses
- 105 crore units in September 2025 – the highest ever for a single month
Total power generated till date: 6,810 crore units
Dignitaries Present
Prominent leaders and officials present at the event included:
- Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava
- Chhota Udepur MP Jashubhai Rathva
- MLA Darshna Deshmukh
- Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi
- ACS to CM M.K. Das
- CMD of Narmada Nigam Mukesh Puri
- Principal Secretary (Home) Nipuna Torawane
- JMD of SSNNL Amit Arora
