Explained: Why a near full Sardar Sarovar Dam is unable to release water for farmers

A recent Central Water Commission report warned that Gujarat is facing a 33 per cent deficit as far as water in reservoirs are concerned. In Gujarat all 10 reservoirs are showing a downward trend in water levels this year.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam located in Kevadia Colony in Narmada district is the lifeline of both Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Unlike last year, this year the dam reservoir is at a comfortable level at 119.51 metres — sufficient to provide the state with drinking water for an extra month until July end. However, the notice prohibiting farmers from drawing water from the main canal since this March has farm activists protesting.