environment

Monsoon Delay: Sardar Sarovar Dam at 64% Capacity Eases Water Worries for Gujarat

Published on: 29 Jun 2026, 04:12 PM

With the southwest monsoon delayed in several districts of Gujarat, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam has emerged as a critical lifeline for drinking and irrigation water, holding approximately 64% of its storage capacity. The dam recorded a water level of 126.59 metres on Saturday, against its full reservoir level (FRL) of 138.68 metres, with a gross storage of 6,140.31 million cubic metres (MCM) — 64.91% of its design capacity of 9,460 MCM.

This storage is 1,496.55 MCM more than what was recorded on the same day last year, providing the state with a substantial cushion as it enters the peak monsoon season. The dam's average inflow was 7,554 cusecs, while releases through the canal head powerhouse stood at 14,522 cusecs, out of a combined flow of 15,705.83 cusecs downstream at the Garudeshwar head regulator.

Statewide, Gujarat's 207 reservoirs held a combined gross storage of 11,875.08 MCM on Saturday, amounting to 47.02% of their total design capacity. The delayed monsoon has raised concerns in several districts, but the robust storage in the Sardar Sarovar dam offers significant relief for both agricultural and domestic water needs.

The Sardar Sarovar dam, a key component of the Narmada project, plays a vital role in meeting the water demands of Gujarat, particularly during years of erratic rainfall. The current storage levels indicate that the state is better prepared this year compared to last, when storage at the same time was notably lower.

Source: Indian Express

Latest in Environment 10

environment

Romania shuts nuclear plant as Danube hits 30-year low amid heatwave

Romania has shut down its only nuclear power plant, Cernavodă, because Danube River water levels have fallen to a 30-year low due to a prolonged heatwave. The plant, which produces about 20% of the country's electricity, may remain offline for at least ten days, affecting power supply and highlighting the vulnerability of energy systems to climate extremes.

BBC News 13 Aug 2026, 07:20 PM

environment

CAG audit: Green India Mission fell 98% short of forest cover target

A CAG performance audit has found that the Green India Mission fell short of its forest cover targets by nearly 98% over a decade. The report cites poor planning, financial mismanagement, and lack of monitoring as key reasons.

Times of India 13 Aug 2026, 04:08 PM

environment

Lar Gibbons case: Erode forest officials seek documents from farm owner

The Erode Forest Division has asked a farm owner in Perundurai to produce documents for two Lar Gibbons, following an inspection triggered by actor Vikram's viral video. The registration was delayed by over two months, and a female gibbon's death was not reported as required under rules.

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026, 07:21 AM

environment

Fresh plea against riverbed mining in Kaziranga's eco-sensitive zone

A resident of Karbi Anglong has petitioned the NGT to stop mechanised sand mining in the Deihori River near Kaziranga National Park, alleging ecological damage and violation of environmental norms. The plea comes seven years after the Supreme Court banned mining near the park's southern boundary.

The Hindu 13 Aug 2026, 03:47 AM

environment

Farm scientists from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry study carbon credit models at Tiruppur green sites

Thirty-five agricultural scientists from KVKs across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry visited agroforestry sites in Tiruppur to study carbon credit models. The two-day programme focused on integrating scattered agroforestry plots into international carbon markets, with emphasis on sustainability and farmer benefits.

The Hindu 12 Aug 2026, 07:49 PM

environment

Assam CM cites SC order to defend 1-km Kaziranga eco-sensitive zone

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the 1-km Eco-Sensitive Zone proposal for Kaziranga National Park aligns with a Supreme Court order, and the 10-km buffer will apply until the Centre notifies the final zone. The move has drawn criticism from environmentalists concerned about increased pressure on the park's ecosystem.

The Hindu 12 Aug 2026, 12:25 PM

environment

Ganga floodplain: construction ban narrowed to 1-in-5-year flood zone

The Centre has amended the Ganga floodplain regulations, redefining the active floodplain as the 1-in-5-year flood zone and introducing separate regulatory and warning zones. The construction ban now applies to a narrower area, while the 'construction-free zone' language is replaced with pollution and groundwater conservation measures.

The Hindu 12 Aug 2026, 10:09 AM

environment

Karnataka Forest Department radio-collars two wild elephants in Hassan to track herds

The Karnataka Forest Department has fitted radio collars on two wild elephants in Hassan district to track their herds' movements. The operation, carried out over two days, aims to reduce human-elephant conflict in the region.

The Hindu 11 Aug 2026, 01:07 PM

environment

Odisha bauxite mining: Activists demand cancellation of leases, halt to auctions

Activists in Odisha have demanded cancellation of bauxite mining leases and withdrawal of auction notifications, alleging that mining is destroying the Eastern Ghats and violating tribal rights. They warned of severe impacts on water sources, forests, and livelihoods of local communities.

The Hindu 11 Aug 2026, 09:50 AM

environment

Madhya Pradesh: 50 Human Deaths, 45 Tiger Deaths Highlight Wildlife Conflict

Madhya Pradesh saw 50 human deaths in wild animal attacks and over 45 tiger deaths in the first eight months of 2026, highlighting a growing human-wildlife conflict. Most fatalities occurred during the forest produce collection season, with tigers accounting for the highest number.

NDTV 11 Aug 2026, 05:52 AM

→ View All Environment News