Tuesday, 06 October 2009 04:14

Ukai Dam

About:

Gujarat has around 21 large dams, among 541 Indian Dams. Ukai Dam near Surat is one of the major projects including Sardar Sarovar Dam. Only 5 projects of Gujarat are considered to be the prime sources of water across the state, namely the Dharoi, Dantiwada, Kadana, Ukai and Sardar Sarovar. These 5 Dams of Gujaratare also of national importance.

 

The storage capacity of Ukai dam is almost 46% of the total capacity of all the other existing dams in Gujarat if put together. Thus it can be concluded that the rest of the dams have as little as 0.1% average storage capacity. Ukai Dam is thought to be the mega project in Gujarat. During last 40 years, the actual irrigation potential is attained through all the major and medium water resources projects in the State, which comprises of only 14 million hectares. However, the Sardar Sarovar Dam would alone provide irrigation facilities to 19.24 million hectares and it makes a lot of difference in tiding over famine conditions prevailing recurrently in Gujarat State.

Water level in Ukai dam recorded an increase today and 23,620 cusecs of water was released from the dam to Tapi river this morning, additional district collector D V Mewada said.By this morning, there was a heavy inflow of water to the dam and the water level rose to 333.65 feet which is very close to rule level, Mr Mewada said.''To avoid an increase of water to danger level, the water has been released from the dam,'' Mr Mewada said.However, he said that the present inflow of water to Tapi river will not create any danger to the residents in low-lying areas.''The present inflow of water to Tapi will increase the river water level only by one meter. The danger level in Tapi is 9.50 meters, which means that there is no dangerous situation in Surat,'' he added



They were demanding a branch canal from Ukai Dam for availing water for their fields. They organised a 'Chakka Jam' under the banner of Adivasi Sangharsh Samiti and stopped vehicles on the road. Later, they handed over a memorandum to the Mamlatdar. Congress MP Tushar Patel also participated in the rally.Adivasi Sangharsh Samiti president Mansingh Choudhary said: "Farming is the only option for the tribal families here. At present, they are relying on rainwater for farming and are dependent on animal husbandry for their livelihood. Our demand is that a canal should be made from Ukai Dam for the tribals to draw water, which Chief Minister Narendra Modi had assured of during his election campaign.”

Location info:

Location: Ukai, Surat district, Gujarat
District: Surat
Nearest City: Surat
Langauge: Gujarati,Hindi
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:

Winter Temperature: Max 31 °C, Min 22 °C Summer Temperature: Max 40 °C, Min ...

History:

Ukai Dam was constructed in 1972 as a part of the Ukai Hydroelectric Project to harness the waters of the Tapi River. It was primarily built for irrigation, but it also generates electricity, controls floods, and provides water to the region. The dam has since become one of the most crucial infrastructures in Gujarat for agricultural and energy needs.

Interesting things to do:

Boating: Enjoy boating on the reservoir, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons. Fishing: Engage in fishing activities, as the reservoir is rich in various fish species. Bird Watching: Spot numerous migratory and local birds, especially in the winter months. Photography: Capture breathtaking views of the dam, reservoir, and surrounding landscapes. Nature Walks: Explore the lush greenery around the dam and experience the serene environment.

Interesting things to Visit:

Ukai Hydro Power Station:
Visit the hydroelectric power station to understand how electricity is generated from the dam.

Ukai Dam Garden:
A well-maintained garden near the dam, perfect for picnics and relaxation. 

Navsari:
A port city in Gujarat, Surat boasts of being the second largest city in Gujarat. Located on the banks of the river Tapi, Surat is popular for its narrow streets and beautiful houses. The city is a major industrial hub of Gujarat and is well known for its textiles and diamond business. Apart from these, the many Tourist attractions in Surat are also worth a visit during your Tour to Surat. One such place to visit is Navsari close to Surat. Navsari is popular as the headquarters of the Parsis ever since they settled in Surat. It is one of the leading Monuments in Surat.

If history interests you, then a trip to Surat's Sanjan is what you would cherish for the rest of your life. Since February 2002, excavation work is in full swing in Sanjan. Among the ancient relics unearthed were human skeletons, coins, shards of pottery, beads and glasses. The praiseworthy initiative was taken by the World Zarathusti Cultural foundation and the project was jointly sponsored by the ASI and the Indian Council for Historical Research. The articled that were thrown up during the excavations are capable of providing valuable insights into the early history of the Parsis.

Udvada:
Udvada, near Surat is celebrated for being a very sacred place among the Parsis and is a small sleepy village which is located in the southern coast of Gujarat. It is as important to the Parsis as is Haridwar for the Hindus, Mecca for the Muslims and Vatican City for the Christians. A large number of Parsis flock here every year, both from within the country and from abroad. It was here that the victorious fire or Atash Behram was brought from Persia by the Parsis in the 18th century. This fire is placed in a temple which is strictly meant for the Parsis. As a result, the non-Parsis are not allowed to enter here. This place can be visited from outside. Peace and bliss pervades here that simply enthralls the visitors who come from far and wide.

Mobile range info:

Mobile network coverage is generally available, but it may be patchy in some remote areas around the dam.

How to reach?

By Air: The nearest airport is Surat International Airport, around 110 km from Ukai Dam.
By Train: The closest railway station is Ukai Songadh Railway Station, about 8 km from the dam.
Road Transport:State Surat has a good road network with good network of State Highways. The State Transport Corporation connects it to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country.

Nearest Visiting places:

Songadh Fort:
A historic fort located 8 km from the dam, offering panoramic views of the region.

Gaumukh:  A natural spring situated about 15 km from Ukai, known for its religious significance and scenic beauty.

Hajira:
This is a giant city of industry in south Gujarat, which has the biggest industrial powerhouse in the country. The other attractions are Hajira beach, two wells which is rich in iron and sulphur.

Olpad:
Dutch garden, old fort, Sardar Patel Museum, Dandi, Dumas, and Hajira are the tourist places of visit.

Rander:
It was previously the main commercial center of the south Gujarat, before of Surat came into prominence during the 11th and 12th centuries. Thereon Arabs and Kafas have intruded to make it as a center for overseas trade. Later, due to Portuguese invasion, Rander dimmed its prosperity and charm in trade.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump:songadh,Gujarat,India

 

Reliance petrol pump:songadh,Navapur,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Budget: Hotel Sri Ram, Hotel Pritam (both located in Songadh, around 10 km from the dam)

Mid-Range: Lords Eco Inn (Songadh), offering comfortable stay options 

Things to carry:

Comfortable clothing and shoes Water bottles and snacks Camera/binoculars for bird watching and photography Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats (especially in summer) An umbrella or raincoat (during monsoon)

Tips & Suggestions:

Visit during the winter or post-monsoon season when the weather is pleasant, and the reservoir is at its fullest. Ensure to carry sufficient water and snacks, as there are limited facilities near the dam. Be cautious near the water, and avoid swimming in the reservoir, as the currents can be strong. Respect the environment; avoid littering and maintain cleanliness.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:
Surat Police:
100
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:www.gujaratglobal.com

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