Hi Friends,
Government of Gujarat, Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpasar Departmenthas proposed to create a freshwater reservoir by closing the Gulf of Khambhat across Ghogain Bhavnagar district and Hansot in Bharuch district through construction of 64 km long dam.It is envisaged to create a fresh water basin of more than 2000 km2 which will receive waterfrom twelve rivers flowing into Gulf including excess water from Narmada, Mahi, Sabarmatiand Dadhar. Gujarat Govt. is determined to ensure long term water security in Gujarat in thenew millennium by giving concrete shape to Kalpasar project. The area of Gulf of Khambhatproposed to be closed, harbours some major and minor ports catering to various industriesand trade. Ports of Hazira and Pipavav will be outside the domain of Kalpasar whereasDahej, Bhavnagar, Dholera will be inside the Kalpasar lake.
Though the government quotes it as a fresh water reservoir, the potential factor could be tidal power generation, as Gujarat coast is a potential tidal bank. Are we entering into a new era of power generation? how does it going to effect environment?
Please leave your opinion on this project.
Source : NEERI
Replies
If I could remember correctly, had a brief discussion on ‘Kalpasar Project’ with the Gujarat Government Officials sometime in 2003-2004 but nothing was materialized that time – I am surprised to know that this project is still at concept stage.
Meanwhile, this is one of the most ambitious hi-tech multipurpose project and there will be several environmental issues but I am thinking about the estuarine ecosystem at this moment.