Inspection of Proposed Tunnel from Dewas Phase III Dam to Existing Akodara Dam

Udaipur: In line with the state government’s directives to ensure timely and quality implementation of budget announcements, an inspection drive is being carried out by senior officials of the Water Resources Department. As part of this initiative, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Division, Banswara, Devi Singh Beniwal, inspected the ongoing construction works of the Dewas Phase III and Phase IV projects on Saturday.

During the inspection, the Chief Engineer stated that the implementation of the Dewas Phase III and IV projects will ensure the long-term drinking water requirements of Udaipur city. Additionally, these projects will help maintain water levels in lakes such as Pichola, Swaroop Sagar, Fateh Sagar, and other connected water bodies, thereby supporting tourism, environmental sustainability, and ecological balance.

Under the Dewas Phase III project, a dam with a capacity of 703 MCFT is proposed near Nathiyathal village in Gogunda tehsil of Udaipur district. A 10.50 km long tunnel will be constructed to divert water to the Dewas Phase II Akodara Dam. From the already constructed Akodara Dam and tunnel system, water will be further diverted to Lake Pichola in Udaipur city.

Under the Dewas Phase IV project, a dam with a capacity of 390 MCFT is proposed near Ambawa village in Gogunda tehsil. A 4.15 km long tunnel will be constructed to connect this dam with the Dewas Phase III Dam.

During the site visit, the Chief Engineer reviewed the progress, quality, and adherence to the project timeline in detail. Officials informed that, for the diversion of forest land required for the project, in-principle approval has already been granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi, subject to certain conditions. Necessary actions are being taken by the department to comply with these conditions.

Under the process of private land acquisition, compensation distribution has already begun as per the award issued by the Land Acquisition Officer, Gogunda. Additionally, a proposal for special financial assistance for the remaining affected families is currently under process.

The Chief Engineer directed that all necessary basic facilities must be provided to families affected by the project under proper rehabilitation and resettlement plans, ensuring that no family is deprived of essential services.

He also emphasized strict adherence to safety standards at the construction site, provision of necessary facilities for workers, regular testing of construction materials, and maintaining high-quality standards. Instructions were given to ensure the timely completion of the project.

During the inspection, Superintending Engineer Manoj Jain, Assistant Engineer Kunal Meetwani, Junior Engineers Bharat Kumar and Jitendra Nagda, along with representatives of the executing agency, were present.