Following recent rainfall in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh’s upper catchment areas, authorities have discharged 1.19 lakh cusecs of water from the Ukai Dam. This dam is the second largest reservoir in Gujarat, after the Sardar Sarovar. Currently, the water level in the Ukai Dam stands at 339.25 feet, which is just five feet below the danger mark of 345 feet.
- Inflow vs. Outflow: As of Tuesday evening, the dam’s inflow was 1.03 lakh cusecs, while the outflow was 1.19 lakh cusecs.
- Dam Gates: Seven gates have been opened up to a height of 6.5 feet to facilitate water discharge. Of the total discharge, 16,986 cusecs were allocated for hydro-power generation.
- Rule Level: The rule level of the dam as of September 10 was 340 feet.
Rainfall Measurements in South Gujarat
According to sources from the Surat flood control department, the rainfall recorded in various talukas from 8 am to 6 pm includes:
- Umarpada Taluka (Surat District): 255 mm
- Nizar Taluka (Tapi District): 66 mm
- Navsari District:
- Khergam: 60 mm
- Chikhli: 45 mm
- Surat District:
- Bardoli: 36 mm
- Palsana: 34 mm
- Kamrej: 30 mm
Explanation from Dam Authorities
Ukai Dam Superintending Engineer Hemant Chaudhary explained the reason behind the water discharge:
- Rainfall Impact: The primary reason for the discharge is the substantial rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Ukai Dam in MP and Maharashtra.
- Water Contributions: The dam receives additional water from the Hathnur Dam (40,000 cusecs) and the Prakasha Dam (60,000 cusecs), both located in Maharashtra.
- Hathnur Dam: Current water level is 211.77 meters, with a danger level at 214 meters.
- Prakasha Dam: Current water level is 108.60 meters, with a danger level at 111 meters.
- Water Flow: Water discharged from Hathnur Dam flows into Prakasha Dam, which then contributes to the Ukai Dam. Recent rainfall in Umarpada taluka (around 10 inches) has also contributed to the dam’s water levels.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the current water level in the Ukai Dam?
- A) 340 feet
- B) 345 feet
- C) 339.25 feet
- D) 350 feet
- How much water was discharged from the Ukai Dam for hydro-power generation?
- A) 16,986 cusecs
- B) 20,000 cusecs
- C) 25,000 cusecs
- D) 30,000 cusecs
- Which taluka recorded the highest rainfall from 8 am to 6 pm?
- A) Navsari
- B) Umarpada
- C) Bardoli
- D) Kamrej
- What is the danger level of the Hathnur Dam?
- A) 211.77 meters
- B) 214 meters
- C) 108.60 meters
- D) 111 meters
- How much water does the Ukai Dam receive from the Prakasha Dam?
- A) 40,000 cusecs
- B) 60,000 cusecs
- C) 80,000 cusecs
- D) 100,000 cusecs