Gujarat's Narmada canal leak leaves 65km trail across Little Rann of Kutch.

 

AHMEDABAD: The Narmada canal network, Gujarat's water lifeline stretching 75,000km, delivers precious water to the state's remotest regions. However, years of unaddressed leakage from the canal network has left a 65km water trail across the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), raising concerns about its fragile ecosystem.

This unintended waterway — roughly 500 metres wide and one foot deep — cuts through multiple areas, including Santalpur, Dhrangadhra, Viramgam, Butavada, Chandragadh, Mangalpur, Kidi, Bajana and Koddha Rann, according to the findings presented to the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC).

In response to this situation, GSHRC chairman Justice K J Thaker involved Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) chairman Mukesh Puri and initiated remedial actions over the past eight months, including calling for plans for canal repair, check dam construction, and water diversion into artificial lakes. A coordination committee meeting will be held on April 24 at the SSNNL office in Gandhinagar, said an official.

"During a hearing held on May 28 last year, the GSHRC had directed the formation of a committee to investigate the issue for the first time and find viable solutions. A pilot drone survey has also been conducted," said a senior irrigation department official.

"This special committee comprises SSNNL superintending engineer, Saurashtra branch canal (Limdi); officials from the irrigation, agriculture, forest and the wildlife departments; district representatives from Surendranagar, Mehsana, Patan, and Morbi, along with environmental activist Rohit Prajapati; and Neha Sarwate, an environmental planner from the MS University, Baroda.

A senior SSNNL official noted, "The process has been directed by the GHRC. We are jointly trying to look into the genesis of the canal leak in the LRK and an attempt is being made to make improvements."

The committee is utilising BISAG-N satellite imagery from 2014-2024 to analyse water flow patterns and identify affected areas. "Repair works on existing check dams have been initiated, and plans for new check dams and village ponds are underway," added the SSNNL official.