Jayakwadi Dam Celebrates 50 Years as Marathwada's Lifeline, Experts Urge Modernization
The Jayakwadi major irrigation project in Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, is commemorating five decades of operation this year. Commissioned on February 24, 1976, by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, this dam has long been hailed as the critical water source for the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
Golden Jubilee Highlights Need for Technological Advancements
As the dam reaches its golden jubilee, water management experts are emphasizing the urgent requirement for upgrading its infrastructure. They propose the implementation of automated canal systems, along with solar-powered and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled technologies to revolutionize irrigation management.
Jaisingh Hire, former assistant superintendent engineer with the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC), highlighted that automation could significantly curb water theft and minimize transition losses. "The existing gate systems, which are 50 years old, must be replaced with advanced mechanisms to ensure efficient water distribution and effective irrigation management," he stated.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Lining Work Prioritized
Water rights activist Abhijeet Dhanorkar stressed the importance of undertaking lining work on the Paithan left bank canal (PLBC) as a priority. "While the government has supported lining the Paithan right bank canal (PRBC), similar efforts are crucial for the PLBC to prevent leakages and ensure water reaches tail-end areas like Parbhani," he explained.
The PLBC stretches 208 kilometers, covering a gross command area exceeding 200,000 hectares across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Parbhani districts. In contrast, the PRBC extends 132 kilometers, serving over 59,900 hectares in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Beed districts.
Dam Specifications and Ongoing Rehabilitation Efforts
Official data reveals that the Jayakwadi dam boasts a designed storage capacity of nearly 103 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), with a live storage capacity of approximately 77 TMC. A senior GMIDC official confirmed that the dam and its distribution network are currently undergoing enhancements under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP II) to improve safety and operational efficiency.
"Plans are in place to automate canal systems and introduce advanced irrigation management technologies. Necessary funding will be sought to facilitate this ambitious transformation," the official added. Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil was unavailable for comment on these developments.
Controversy Surrounding Floating Solar Project
Recently, the Jayakwadi dam has garnered attention due to a proposed floating solar project. This initiative has sparked concerns among conservationists who fear potential irreversible damage to the bird sanctuary located in Nathsagar, the dam's reservoir.
As the region reflects on half a century of water provision, the focus shifts to balancing modernization with environmental conservation to secure a sustainable future for Marathwada's agricultural and ecological landscapes.
