Gujarat and Centre Pursue Dutch Partnership for Ambitious Kalpasar Project
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government, in collaboration with the Centre, is actively exploring a strategic partnership with the Netherlands to finally bring the long-conceived Kalpasar project to fruition. Conceived approximately four decades ago, this massive infrastructure initiative has yet to take off despite numerous detailed project reports being commissioned over the years.
Project Scope and Estimated Costs
According to the latest official estimates, the total cost of the Kalpasar project has been pegged at a staggering Rs 1.57 lakh crore. The project envisions creating a 13,000 million cubic metre freshwater reservoir in the Gulf of Khambhat by constructing an impressive 60km dam between Bhavnagar and Bharuch.
Atop this dam, a 16-lane highway will be constructed, directly connecting Saurashtra to South Gujarat and drastically reducing travel time between these two important regions. The freshwater stored in the reservoir will comprehensively address drinking water, irrigation, and industrial needs across multiple areas.
Strategic Government-to-Government Partnership
Top sources have confirmed that both the Gujarat government and the Central government are seriously considering a strategic G2G (government-to-government) partnership with the Netherlands. This collaboration would include developing a comprehensive business model specifically for the Kalpasar project.
"A team of Dutch representatives met Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and state administration officials earlier this week in Gandhinagar, where a detailed presentation on the Kalpasar project was made," a reliable source revealed.
"During these discussions, a proposal was mooted for creating an Indo-Dutch expert group that would handle periodic design reviews, facilitate knowledge transfer, and manage other crucial aspects of partnership for developing the Kalpasar project," the source added.
Addressing Critical Water Shortages
Official sources emphasized that, similar to the Narmada project, the Kalpasar project is designed to benefit multiple states. For Gujarat specifically, the current water availability situation presents a pressing concern.
"As far as Gujarat is concerned, the current per capita per year water availability in the state stands at 920 cubic metres, which represents only 54% of the adequate requirement of 1,700 cubic metres per capita per year," a source explained to media.
"With no new water sources readily available, the water availability situation is projected to become critical by 2047. This urgency has prompted authorities to make a decisive move to expedite the Kalpasar project," the source further elaborated.
Comprehensive Studies and Water Management
According to detailed information provided by the state government, an estimated 30,000 MCM of water flows annually into the sea without being stored in the region. This represents a significant loss of potential resources.
"A sustainable solution is absolutely essential to address future water requirements of the state, especially considering factors such as rapid industrial development and a growing urban population," the source stated. "With continuous improvement in urban living standards, the demand for water will inevitably continue to rise."
The proposed Kalpasar project area receives water from numerous rivers that empty into the Gulf of Khambhat, including:
- Sabarmati
- Mahi
- Dhadhar
- Narmada (via Diversion Canal)
- Wadhvan Bhogavo
- Limbadi Bhogavo
- Sukhbhadar
- Utavali
- Keri
- Ghelo
- Kalubhar
Extensive Research and Timeline
Regarding the extensive studies conducted for the project thus far, officials confirmed that approximately 20 renowned national and international organizations have been engaged for their specialized services. To date, 51 studies have been successfully completed, with three remaining studies currently in progress.
"These remaining studies are expected to be completed by June 2028," an official confirmed, providing a clear timeline for this crucial preparatory phase of the monumental project.
