The recent monsoon season has seen unprecedented heavy rains causing the two largest reservoirs in the Saurashtra region, Shetrunji and Bhadar dams, to overflow simultaneously. This deluge has been concentrated over south Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch regions while north and central Gujarat have experienced a dearth in rainfall.
Saurashtra Rainfall Patterns
This year, the Saurashtra region recorded an excess of 100% in average rainfall. Despite this surge, not all monsoons in this peninsular region are as bountiful, with every fourth monsoon typically being deficient. Further complicating matters, the distribution of rainfall across the 11 districts of Saurashtra remains inconsistent. In fact, over the course of 12 different years, either only Shetrunji or Bhadar dam has experienced overflow.
About Shetrunji and Bhadar Dams
Located in the Bhavnagar district, Shetrunji is the largest reservoir in the Saurashtra region, boasting a designed gross storage capacity of 308.68 million cubic meters (mcm). Bhadar, on the other hand, is situated in the Rajkot district and is the second largest with a gross storage capacity of 188.14 mcm. These reservoirs straddle the Shetrunji and Bhadar rivers which flow in opposite directions and have distinct catchment areas. The geographical position of these dams makes them reliable indicators of rainfall distribution in the Saurashtra region. The largest reservoir in Gujarat, however, is the Sardar Sarovar Dam, also known as Narmada Dam.
On Shetrunji River
The Shetrunji River, the source of water for the Shetrunji dam, originates from the Amreli district. It flows eastwards eventually emptying into the Gulf of Khambhat. This river is fed by several tributaries, including Safara, Shel, Khari, Talaji, Stali, Thebu, Gagadia, Rajwal and Kharo.
About Bhadar River
Bhadar River, which fills the Bhadar dam, springs from Jasdan taluka of Rajkot. Much like Shetrunji River, it also has several tributaries which serve as its source, namely Gondali, Chapparwadi, Phopal, Utawali, Moj, Venu, Vasavadi, Surwa and Galolia.