Gujarat 24% water deficit compared to 2025, but its biggest dam Narmada is full

Gujarat currently faces a 24.13% water deficit compared to the same period last year, despite the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district reaching its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) on Wednesday evening. The dam, which serves as the state's primary water resource, attained an FRL of 138.68 meters after steady inflow from the catchment areas in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries performed the traditional aarti to celebrate the dam's capacity.

Although the Sardar Sarovar Dam is now full, the overall water storage in Gujarat's 206 schemes, excluding the Sardar Sarovar Dam, stands at 71.66% of its combined capacity. This leaves North Gujarat with a 44.47% deficit, Central Gujarat at 27.23%, and South Gujarat with a 51.45% deficit. Kutch, the most affected region, has a 51.45% deficit in water storage.

The dam's full reservoir level brings some relief to the state, as it will help sustain drinking water supply during the summer season, even with normal rains. However, several reservoirs, including Damanganga in Valsad, Karjan in Narmada district, Kadana, and Ukai, are already near or at capacity. Local water reservoirs in cities like Vadodara and Ahmedabad also show a deficit.