Surat: Around 1,500 cusecs of water is being released into the Tapi River from the Ukai dam to sustain the water level in the weir-cum-causeway, which serves as the primary source of drinking water for the city. Earlier in the second half of April, the release was approximately 2,200 cusecs due to heightened demand. Every summer, water demand surges, compelling authorities to release water from Ukai to preserve both the level and quality of the water. Industries in Hazira also receive a regular water supply from the weir.
Impact of Rising Temperatures
With increasing temperatures, the water level in the weir-cum-causeway drops rapidly. Additionally, vegetation and impurities contaminating the weir water degrade its quality, making water collection and filtration more time-consuming. The infusion of fresh water from Ukai enhances both water quantity and quality, simplifying the task for civic authorities to supply water even during peak summer demand. Each summer, the weir on the Tapi becomes a lifeline for Surat's drinking water supply, with authorities frequently relying on water releases from Ukai Dam to maintain quality and adequate storage levels.
Recurring Challenges
For several years, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has repeatedly requested freshwater from Ukai during the height of summer. Officials attribute the persistent issues to low river levels, high summer demand, untreated sewage discharge, polluted water discharge, and the proliferation of algae and water hyacinth in stagnant river stretches.
Recently, residents of the City Light area reported discolored tap water for a few days. In the past, inhabitants of various neighborhoods have complained about foul-smelling, discolored water and red worms during the summer. In response to such concerns, authorities increased the release from Ukai to up to 1,500 cusecs to improve water quality in the weir.
Current Release Details
An SMC official stated, "This year too, the dam authorities have been releasing around 600 cusecs of freshwater from Ukai into the weir to ensure uninterrupted supply to SMC filtration plants and industries in Hazira. To maintain adequate levels, the discharge was increased by the dam authorities to 2,200 cusecs, which has now been reduced to 1,500 cusecs."
