— Construction of dams and tunnels underway
— Udaipur to receive an additional 1,000 MCFT of water; water levels in Lakes Pichola and Fateh Sagar to be maintained
Jaipur, October 2026 : Construction of dams and tunnels under the third and fourth phases of the Dewas Project, which is crucial for ensuring Udaipur’s long-term water security, is progressing rapidly. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, an innovative initiative is being undertaken through this inter-basin water transfer project to divert valuable water from the Sabarmati basin, which otherwise flows unused into the Arabian Sea, towards the Banas basin and integrate it into Udaipur’s water supply system.
Under the Dewas Phase IV Project, a dam with a capacity of 390 MCFt and a 4.15-kilometre-long tunnel are being constructed near Ambawa village in Gogunda tehsil. Water from here will be diverted towards the Dewas Phase III Project.
Similarly, the Dewas Phase III dam, with a capacity of 703 MCFt, is being constructed near Nathiyathal village. From this dam, water will be diverted, as required, to Lake Pichola through a 10.50-kilometre-long tunnel up to the existing Dewas Phase II project (Akodara Dam).
The third and fourth phases of the project will provide approximately 1,000 MCFt of additional water to Udaipur city every year. This will help meet the city’s growing drinking water requirements and maintain water levels in Lakes Pichola and Fateh Sagar. The project is also expected to boost tourism and economic activities associated with ecotourism.
In accordance with the state government’s directions to ensure the welfare of affected families, efforts are being made to rehabilitate them in nearby areas. Residential plots and essential basic amenities are also being arranged for these families to ensure their safe and orderly rehabilitation.
It is noteworthy that the first phase of the Dewas Project was initiated in 1974 to ensure Udaipur’s water security. Subsequently, Dewas Phase II was completed in 2015, establishing a system to convey water to Lake Pichola in Udaipur by gravity through the Akodara Dam and tunnel system. Dewas Phases III and IV are important components of this long-term effort to strengthen the city’s water security.
