VALPOI
The long-pending Charavane irrigation project in Sattari has once again gained momentum, with the government now exploring the construction of a barrage instead of the previously proposed dam.
A survey has already been initiated, and the future of the project is expected to become clearer once the survey report is submitted.
The project is considered important for irrigation, drinking water supply and groundwater recharge in Charavane, Mauxi, Thane and surrounding areas.
According to available information, the Water Resources Department has entrusted a private company with conducting a technical survey of the proposed barrage.
The study will assess water storage capacity, irrigation potential, drinking water requirements and environmental impact.
The Charavane project was originally proposed as a minor irrigation project several years ago, with the aim of providing irrigation to around 130 hectares and creating a water source for drinking purposes. Charavane, Hivre, Hivre Khurd and Thane were among the areas expected to benefit.
However, the project faced delays due to environmental and wildlife-related clearance issues, as the proposed site is located near the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The possibility of replacing the dam with a barrage or a series of barrages was subsequently considered.
In 2023, the State Wildlife Board had approved the Water Resources Department’s proposal for the Charavane dam. The project was expected to provide a sustainable irrigation water supply to around 250 farming families.
Despite the approval, environmental clearance and other administrative issues continued to delay implementation. The barrage option is now being examined as a possible alternative.
The proposed Charavane barrage has renewed hopes among residents who have been waiting for a solution to their water problems for years. The survey report will be crucial in determining the barrage’s capacity, irrigation potential, environmental impact and required clearances.
The proposed barrage could help store monsoon water that otherwise flows away and make it available for agriculture and horticulture. It could also support drinking water sources and help raise groundwater levels in the surrounding areas.
Residents of Mauxi, Thane and Koparde are expected to benefit from improved water availability. Farmers could gain access to more reliable irrigation, reducing dependence on rainfall.
Local MLA Deviya Rane has reportedly been pursuing the project with authorities, leading to renewed activity at the Water Resources Department level.
Environmental clearance will remain a major factor in determining the project’s future. The ongoing survey is expected to examine the possible environmental impact of the barrage and whether it can provide the required water storage with less submergence and ecological disturbance than the earlier dam proposal.
The proposed inclusion of 63 villages from Sattari in the Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area under the latest draft notification could also have a bearing on future development projects in the region. However, the notification is still at the draft stage, and the final decision will be taken after considering objections and suggestions from stakeholders.
