Bhavnagar News brings an important development for the people of Bhavnagar district. A major irrigation and water conservation project worth ₹17.83 crore has been approved at Sanes village. The project will construct a new dam and reservoir, which will not only help farmers with irrigation but also provide drinking water to Bhavnagar city and nearby industries. Gujarat’s Irrigation Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya has given administrative approval for this project, and work is expected to begin very soon.
Key Features of the Sanes Dam Project
According to the government approval, the proposed dam at Sanes will have a water storage capacity of about 34.27 MCFT (million cubic feet). This massive capacity will directly benefit farmers across Sanes and eight nearby villages, covering nearly 200 hectares of agricultural land. Farmers in this region have long faced difficulties due to water scarcity, and this project is expected to provide them with a reliable water source for irrigation.
Apart from farming benefits, the project also ensures that Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation and surrounding industries will receive additional drinking water supply. This makes the Sanes dam a project of dual importance—supporting both agriculture and urban development.
Background: Why Sanes Dam Was Needed
The Sanes village lies along the Keri River, where the Vallabhipur Branch Canal merges at its end point. Whenever there is excess Narmada water, it is released into the Keri River. However, without a reservoir, this precious freshwater flows straight into the sea, going completely to waste.
Local leaders and engineers suggested that if a dam or reservoir were built in the government wasteland near Sanes, this water could be stored and used. By constructing the dam, farmers would have a regular supply of irrigation water, while nearby villages and the city could also use it for drinking. This idea has now become reality, with the government sanctioning the project.
The chosen site covers about 6.40 lakh square meters of land under government ownership (Survey No. 209/1). The new water body will act as a lifeline for this region.
Official Approvals and Site Change
Initially, there were discussions regarding the exact location of the Sanes dam. On 7 May 2025, local leaders from Sanes submitted a request to the Public Accounts Committee for a site change. Committee Chairman Jitubhai Vaghani personally reviewed the proposal and discussed it with Irrigation Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya.
Following this, the Chief Engineer and Additional Secretary of the Saurashtra region, along with village leaders, visited the new site on 13 May 2025. After the inspection, the government approved the construction at the revised location, giving final clearance for the ₹17.83 crore project.
The District Collector’s office at Bhavnagar has been processing the land transfer proposal for the government wasteland, ensuring all legal and administrative requirements are met. The government issued updated administrative approval through official letter no. NWRWSKD/1843/03/2025 dated 29 March 2025. With this, the Detailed Project Report (DTP) has been prepared, and the tender process will be completed soon.
Benefits for Farmers and Villages
The dam will bring direct benefits to 7–8 nearby villages, where farmers rely heavily on rainfall and often face crop losses due to drought. With the new reservoir, they will have access to irrigation water throughout the year. An estimated 200 hectares of farmland will receive irrigation support.
This will not only increase crop productivity but also allow farmers to grow multiple crops, improving their income and standard of living. Additionally, the availability of water will reduce migration pressure on rural families, as more people can sustain their livelihoods locally.
Urban and Industrial Advantages
The Sanes dam project is not limited to agriculture. By securing freshwater, it will also serve Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, ensuring better supply of drinking water to the growing city population. Local industries, which are vital for the economy of Bhavnagar district, will also gain access to a more stable water source. This balance between agricultural and urban benefits makes the project highly valuable for the entire region.
Also read: Khel Mahotsav 2025: Bhavnagar Hosts Key Meeting for Smooth Organization
Community Response and Political Support
Farmers and community leaders of Sanes and nearby villages have welcomed this government decision with joy. They have expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Irrigation Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya for approving the project. Local leaders believe this decision will bring a permanent solution to the region’s water crisis.
For decades, farmers here have struggled due to erratic rainfall and dependence on seasonal water flows. Now, with the Sanes dam, they expect stability and progress. The announcement has been seen as a major victory for the people of Bhavnagar district.
Also read: Bhavnagar News: Brother Arrested for Assaulting and Abusing His Own Sister
Conclusion
This latest update from Bhavnagar News highlights how the ₹17.83 crore Sanes dam project will transform both rural and urban life in the region. Farmers across nearly 200 hectares of land will get irrigation benefits, while Bhavnagar city and local industries will enjoy improved drinking water facilities.
By capturing excess Narmada water that would otherwise flow into the sea, this project ensures that every drop is used effectively. With administrative approval in place and tender work set to begin, the Sanes dam project is poised to become a landmark development in Bhavnagar district.
It is not just a dam—it is a promise of growth, security, and prosperity for thousands of people in the region.
