27 major dams in Madhya Pradesh to be strengthened

INDORE: Madhya Pradesh government will strengthen and renovate 27 major dams in the state, including the Gandhi Sagar dam in Mandsaur, under the second phase of a World Bank project through a loan of Rs 551 crore.
Under the first phase of the World Bank project -- Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP-1) – as many as 25 dams were strengthened and renovated between 2012 and 2020, with an investment of Rs 450 crore.
The DRIP-2, a six-year-project that ends in 2027, gained a fresh momentum after the World Bank gave NOC to the work at three dams. "We had sent detailed project reports with estimates for 12 out of 27 dams. We received NOC for three," said a senior state water resources department officer.
The work for preparation of DPRs for the rest of the dams was in progress, he said.
A technical survey of 27 dams of MP – some over 50 year old -- revealed that they require strengthening and renovation.
"The World Bank has sanctioned a loan of Rs 551 Crore for strengthening and renovation of 27 major dams of the state. The dam rehabilitation and improvement project will give a new lease of life to these dams," state water resources minister Tulsiram Silawat said.
Officers claim that the dam renovation will not have any impact on electricity generation or associated activities like fishing.
The DRIP-2 will include Gandhi Sagar, Retam-Bairaj and Gadgil Sagar Dam of Mandsaur; Sukta Dam of Khandwa, Choral and Depalpur Dam of Indore; Rajghat Dam of Sagar, Kerwa, Kaliyasot and Hathaikheda dam of Bhopal; Dokrikheda and Chandora dam of Multai, Bahoriband dam of Katni, Matiyari dam of Mandla and Kachan Dam situated in Singrauli district.