Vapi Gets ₹159.50 Crore Daman-Ganga Barrage Project

VAPI: Vapi is set to get a major water infrastructure boost, with Gujarat preparing to launch a ₹159.50 crore barrage project on the Daman-Ganga River aimed at improving irrigation, strengthening groundwater reserves and securing water supplies for the rapidly growing industrial town.

The proposed Daman-Ganga Barrage will be constructed near Namdha village in Vapi taluka of Valsad district, around 3 km downstream of the existing Vapi Weir. The project has been taken up under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model and has been fast-tracked under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

With a planned gross storage capacity of 5.49 million cubic metres (MCM) and a catchment area of 2,250.73 sq km, the barrage is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including agricultural irrigation, groundwater recharge, drinking-water availability and control of salinity ingress.

549 hectares to get irrigation facilities

The project is expected to create irrigation potential for around 549 hectares of agricultural land across six villages: Namdha, Chandor, Mohan, Eklahare, Nahuli and Jamburi.

Water stored in the barrage will be supplied to farms through lift irrigation and a pressurised distribution system. The assured availability of water is expected to help farmers cultivate two or more crops annually, potentially increasing agricultural productivity and household incomes.

The project is also expected to strengthen water availability for industrial and municipal requirements in Vapi, an important industrial hub in south Gujarat.

Groundwater recharge, salinity control

The barrage will create a water storage stretch extending approximately 3.5 km upstream, potentially improving groundwater recharge and supporting existing tube wells in Vapi. The additional storage is expected to improve water availability for domestic use and contribute to better groundwater and soil conditions.

Another key objective is to restrict tidal water intrusion and curb salinity ingress into the riverbed, helping protect groundwater resources in the surrounding areas.

Vapi’s industrial and urban water needs

Data for 2024-25 shows that the existing Vapi Weir supplied 19 MCM of water to GIDC-Vapi for industrial use, 7.30 MCM for water supply and 6 MCM to Vapi Municipal Corporation. These supplies generated total revenue of ₹69.15 crore.

The additional storage created by the proposed barrage could support future non-agricultural water demand and potentially generate further revenue.

Boost to urban development and employment

For Vapi’s population of approximately 2.3 lakh, the project could bring wider urban benefits, including improved drinking-water availability, riverfront development, parks, boating facilities and a road corridor across the river to improve connectivity.

The barrage is also expected to support tourism, create local employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic growth. By expanding irrigation and livelihood opportunities, the project could help reduce seasonal migration.

Once completed, the barrage is expected to strengthen Valsad district’s water security while supporting agriculture, industry and Vapi’s long-term urban development.