The Surat Municipal Corporation's ambitious conventional barrage project, spanning the Tapi River near Rundh-Bhatha, has received formal approval from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). Valued at Rs 706 crore, the project aims to enhance water supply to Surat city and meet the industrial needs along the Tapi's right bank. The barrage includes an adjoining flyover bridge and a freshwater storage reservoir. Designed with ecological preservation in mind, it ensures a minimum water flow of 300 cusecs, aligning with regional water resource management strategies. The project's phased implementation involves land acquisition and funding from the state and central governments, marking a significant milestone.
The long-anticipated conventional barrage project, set to span the Tapi River near Rundh-Bhatha and overseen by the Surat Municipal Corporation, has reached a significant milestone with formal approval from the Coastal Regulation Zone. This approval was granted during the 344th meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee, specially convened for projects falling under the Coastal Regulation Zone and chaired by MS Negi, the chairman of EAC (CRZ). Valued at Rs 706 crore, this monumental initiative aims to construct a conventional barrage strategically positioned across the Tapi near Rundh-Bhatha villages in Surat. Additionally, an adjoining flyover bridge is part of the ambitious plan, expected to create an expansive freshwater storage reservoir totalling 18.735 million cubic meters (MCM). Designed primarily to enhance water supply to Surat city and meet the needs of industries along the Tapi's right bank in the Hazira area, this barrage aligns with regional water resource management strategy. The design emphasizes ecological preservation, incorporating provisions to maintain a minimum water flow of 300 cusecs, in compliance with the Narmada Water Resources Development resolution of the Gujarat government. Further enhancements are planned to increase this flow to 600 cusecs, minimizing adverse impacts on the surrounding ecology. A noteworthy aspect is the anticipated rejuvenation of the Tapi downstream due to the construction of this conventional barrage. The previous weir cum-causeway at Singanpore had restricted necessary downstream flow, but the impending construction aims to reinstate the Tapi's natural grandeur, facilitating a comprehensive bank-to-bank flow. According to insider sources within the SMC, the project will unfold in three distinct phases. Land acquisition for this colossal endeavour will involve approximately 11,974 square meters of private land at Rundh, 14,363 square meters of private land at Bhatha, and a substantial 1.92 lakh square meters of government-owned land. The funding for this ambitious venture will see the state government contributing Rs 100 crore, supported by contributions from the central government. The remaining financial requirements will be managed by the SMC. In conclusion, the approval from the Coastal Regulation Zone marks a pivotal moment in the realization of the Surat Municipal Corporation's ambitious conventional barrage project. Valued at Rs 706 crore, this initiative not only aims to strategically manage water resources but also underscores a commitment to ecological preservation and regional water resource management.
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