Summary:
Surat: More than 150 million cubic metres (MCM) of fresh water is likely to flow into Ukai dam because of heavy rain in the upper catchment areas of Tapi river in the past two days since Saturday. The dam needs at least 3,500 MCM of water for irrigation throughout the year and 400 MCM of water to meet the drinking water needs of Surat and other towns in the region. The water from Hatnur dam will begin to flow into Ukai dam by Monday morning.RM Patel, superintending engineer, Ukai dam, said, “This late rain is welcome as it will help us to release one rotation of water for irrigation from the reservoir. At present, the dam has 3,412 MCM of water at 317 feet and it is expected to increase to 3,562 MCM. This can also fill the dam to 50 per cent of its capacity.”When the water level in the dam touches 345 feet, it is full to its capacity..