After almost a month late onset of monsoon season, Gujarat has heaved a sigh of relief with widespread rainfall across the state during the last one week as it recorded an average of 39.46% rains and sowing of kharif crops in 62% of cultivable land.
According to official sources on Wednesday, 201 reservoirs across Gujarat now have 2.58 lakh cubic meters of water, while 40,000 cusecs of water is generating hydro-electricity at Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river in Bharuch district.
State Cabinet Ministers and government spokesmen Nitin Patel and Saurabh Patel said only 26 talukas have recorded less than five inches (125 mms) of rainfall. On an average, reservoirs now have stored water to the extent of 46% of their capacity, thus warding off the problem of drinking water.
The Sardar Sarovar dam area is currently receiving over 44,000 cusecs of water daily. The dam, filled up to 120.99 meters height, is using 40,000 cusecs in producing hydel power by running six turbines.