In recent news, the Indian state of Gujarat has been faced with extensive flooding due to the rise in water levels of the Narmada and other rivers. The situation has led to many villages in the central and southern regions of the state being disconnected from mainstream civilization. The Narmada’s water level is alarmingly beyond the danger mark and as a result, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts warning of severe weather conditions in parts of Gujarat. The escalation in the river’s levels can be attributed largely to the Sardar Sarovar Dam located on the Narmada.
Sardar Sarovar Project: An Overview
The Sardar Sarovar Project is a gravity dam situated on the Narmada River in the Indian state of Gujarat. Constructed primarily from concrete or stone, a gravity dam is designed to shift the entire water load downward. This project was introduced principally to facilitate large-scale irrigation and operate multi-purpose hydroelectric projects.
Launched in 1979, the intentions behind this project were predominantly to cater to the agricultural requirements and power crisis plaguing the state. The hydroelectric power generated by this project would be distributed amongst the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, while the benefits reaped from irrigation would be utilized by Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Narmada River: Key Facts
Popularly known as Rewa, the Narmada River serves as a conventional boundary between North and South India. Originating from the Amarkantak peak of the Maikal mountain, the river extends west over a distance of 1,312 km until it reaches the Gulf of Khambhat. Besides a large area in Madhya Pradesh, the river also drains parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Among the significant right tributaries of the Narmada are Hiran, Tendori, Barna, Kolar, Man, Uri, Hatni, and Orsang. On the other hand, Burner, Banjar, Sher, Shakkar, Dudhi, Tawa, Ganjal, Chhota Tawa, Kundi, Goi, and Karjan are examples of left tributaries of the river. The prominent dams constructed on the river include the Omkareshwar and Maheshwar dams.
Understanding the IMD’s Color-coded Alerts
The IMD utilizes a color-coded system to issue alerts related to severe weather conditions. Here is the meaning of each color code:
1. Green: The situation is normal, no advisory is issued.
2. Yellow: Be aware of the potential for severely bad weather over several days, which could disrupt daily activities.
3. Orange/Amber: Be prepared for extremely bad weather that could disrupt travel, including road and rail closures, and interrupt power supply.
4. Red: Take action immediately. When extremely bad weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and power, and there’s significant risk to life, a red alert is issued.
Deciphering the Unique Westward Flow of the Narmada River
Unlike most large peninsular rivers in India which flow east, the Narmada flows west. This can be attributed to its occupancy of a linear rift valley and its location between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras. Additionally, the land gradient in Central India slopes towards the west, causing the river to follow suit.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024