Gujarat govt completes SAUNI Yojana

Why in News?

Under the SAUNI (Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation) scheme, the Government of Gujarat has successfully completed the construction of Package 8 and Package 9 of Link-3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and dedicate this significant project to the people of Saurashtra in the near future

SAUNI Yojana: Empowering Gujarat’s Farmers with Day-Time Electricity and Smart Water Management

The Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana, initiated by the Prime Minister, seeks to supply daytime electricity to farmers in Gujarat for agricultural and irrigation needs. Its primary goal is to channelize excess floodwaters from the Sardar Sarovar Dam, located along the Narmada river, and use them to replenish 115 major dams in drought-prone regions.

SAUNI Yojana: An Innovative Approach to Address Water Shortage and Land Acquisition Challenges in Saurashtra

The SAUNI project functions as a linking endeavor with the purpose of supplying water to regions where the irrigation dams are already integrated into canal networks. This initiative proves highly advantageous for these areas, especially considering the severe drought conditions prevailing in Saurashtra. A significant distinction lies in the use of pipelines instead of the conventional open canals employed in most irrigation projects. This approach addresses the land acquisition disputes and challenges that are commonly encountered, making the SAUNI project feasible and viable.

SAUNI Yojana: Saurashtra Region

Situated on the Arabian Sea coast in Gujarat, India, Saurashtra is a peninsular region covering about a third of the state and including 11 districts, notably Rajkot District. Geographically, Saurashtra poses several challenges, such as low groundwater levels and limited reservoir storage capacity. Additionally, the region suffers from insufficient and irregular rainfall, leading to reduced rainwater storage. In order to tackle these challenges, the SAUNI Yojana was conceptualized.

Links under SAUNI Yojana

Link 1: This link connects Machhu-II dam in Morbi district to Sani Dam in Jamnagar District. With a carrying capacity of 1200 cusecs, it will fill 30 reservoirs in Rajkot, Morbi, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar Districts, benefiting an area of 2,02,100 acres.

Link 2: Connecting Limbdi Bhogavo-II Dam in Surendranagar District to Raidi Dam in Amreli District, this link has a carrying capacity of 1050 cusecs. It will benefit 17 reservoirs in Bhavnagar, Botad, and Amreli Districts, covering an area of 2,74,700 acres.

Link 3: This link links Dholidhaja Dam in Surendranagar District to Venu-I Dam in Rajkot District, with a carrying capacity of 1200 cusecs. It will provide water to 28 reservoirs in Rajkot, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Morbi, and Surendranagar Districts, benefiting an area of 1,98,067 acres.

Link 4: Connecting Limbdi Bhogavo-II Dam in Surendranagar District to Hiran-II Irrigation Scheme in Junagadh, this link has a carrying capacity of 1200 cusecs. It will benefit 40 reservoirs in Rajkot, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Amreli, and Botad Districts, covering an area of 3,47,722 acres.

In total, Sauni Yojana encompasses the development of a approximately 1300-km pipeline network, which will effectively channel water into farms and significantly improve water availability and irrigation opportunities in the region.

SAUNI Yojana: Transforming Drought-Prone Saurashtra with Extensive Water Network and Vital Benefit

The SAUNI Yojana is a lifeline for drought-prone Saurashtra, aiming to store 1 million acre-feet of water in 115 reservoirs across 11 districts. 1203 kms of pipelines have been laid in the last 7 years and it has provided 71,206 million cubic feet of water, benefiting 95 reservoirs, 146 ponds, and 927 check dams, enhancing irrigation on 6.50 lakh acres and supplying potable water to 80 lakh people.

When completed, it will benefit more than 970 villages with irrigation, covering 8,24,872 acres, and provide drinking water to 82 lakh people. 95 % of SAUNI project has been completed at an expenditure of rupees 18,563 crore and the remaining work is progressing rapidly.