Tapi River Barrage: Surat Secures $974 Cr Water Lifeline

The Gujarat government has approved the construction of a Rs 974-crore barrage on the Tapi River near Rundh Bhatha village to strengthen Surat’s water security.

The project will create a freshwater reservoir to prevent tidal intrusion and soil salinity, while supplying 19.60 million cubic metres of drinking water to the city. Funding will include Rs 584.06 crore from the Union government and Rs 389.38 crore jointly from the state government and the Surat Municipal Corporation. The proposed structure will span 1,035 metres and rise five metres, with final designs currently under preparation.

In addition, a Rs 120-crore lift irrigation scheme will support agriculture by providing irrigation to 2,365 hectares across 15 villages in Olpad and Choryasi talukas. An official noted that the barrage will significantly improve potable water availability and benefit local farmers. Construction work is expected to commence soon.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.