Low Narmada flow threatens Jayanti celebrations, group seeks immediate dam release

By A Representative 

With Narmada Jayanti set to be observed on January 25 this year, a formal representation has been submitted to the Bharuch Collector urging the release of water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam to facilitate religious observances along the Narmada river in Gujarat. The request has been forwarded through the Collector to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Chairman and Managing Director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited.

In the representation, the Samast Bharuch District Fishermen Community stated that Narmada Jayanti is traditionally celebrated with great devotion along the riverbanks in Vadodara, Narmada and Bharuch districts. On this occasion, devotees organise rituals such as Narmada pujan, chanting of Om, havan, milk abhishek, offering of chunri and lighting of lamps at villages, towns and pilgrimage sites situated on the riverbanks.

The organisation has expressed concern that the current water level in the Narmada is extremely low, with shallow stretches and sandbanks emerging at several locations. Due to reduced inflow from upstream areas, large portions of the riverbanks are reportedly covered with thick layers of slush and mud, which is likely to cause significant difficulties for devotees and may prevent many from participating in the celebrations.

The memorandum emphasised that releasing water downstream from the Sardar Sarovar Dam is essential to ensure proper observance of Narmada Jayanti. It stated that supplying water to the 162-kilometre stretch of the Narmada flowing through Gujarat is both the right of the river and of the people who revere it. At present, only about 600 cusecs of water released from the Godbole Gate reportedly gets absorbed within 15 kilometres downstream, while the water visible in Bharuch district is largely influenced by tidal effects, leading to muddy riverbanks.

Clarifying that there is no demand for an excessive release of water, the representation proposed that the River Bed Power House at the Sardar Sarovar Dam be made operational by starting all six turbines to generate electricity. This, it said, would serve one of the dam’s primary objectives while also ensuring adequate water flow downstream during the festival period.

According to the memorandum, it takes over 12 hours for water released from the dam to reach the Narmada Sangam, and with only two days remaining for the festival, immediate action is required. The organisation has urged that if release on January 23 is not feasible, the turbines should be started at the earliest so that water reaches both banks of the river, clears accumulated mud and enables devotees in Vadodara, Narmada and Bharuch districts to celebrate Narmada Jayanti with enthusiasm and without hardship.

The appeal concludes with a request to the authorities to ensure that the River Bed Power House is fully operational during the period, allowing the flowing water to be offered to the downstream stretch of the Narmada, thereby ensuring a smooth and inclusive celebration of the sacred occasion.