Sattari's Anjunem Dam set for major transdormation

VALPOI

Anjunem Dam, a lifeline for agriculture and water supply in Sattari taluka, is set to undergo a major transformation, with the approval of approximately Rs 250 crore from the central government for its modernisation.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the modernisation project will focus on enhancing the dam’s capacity, renovating canals, preventing water leakage, and strengthening the overall irrigation network.

The announcement has been welcomed by farmers and local residents, who have been demanding greater attention to the dam’s management for more than a year.

A large number of agricultural and horticultural fields in Sattari depend on water from the dam. With the Centre committing substantial funds for the project, farmers have expressed hope that the irrigation system will finally receive the improvements it urgently requires.

During his recent visit to New Delhi, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and held detailed discussions regarding the renovation and strengthening of Anjunem Dam.

When contacted, officials said a significant portion of the funds will be used to strengthen the main structure of the dam. Built several decades ago, the dam requires structural reinforcement to ensure long-term safety and operational efficiency. The proposed works are expected to improve the dam’s stability and reliability for future generations.

Water from Anjunem Dam is supplied through two major canal systems — the right and left bank canals — which play a crucial role in irrigating agricultural land across the region.

Leakages and damaged canal sections have resulted in considerable water wastage over the years. The modernisation project aims to minimise such losses by repairing and upgrading the canal network. Improved efficiency in water distribution is expected to benefit farmers significantly and bring more agricultural land under irrigation.

Officials added that the project also focuses on long-term planning to prevent future water shortages. Surveys have already been conducted to identify areas where water losses can be reduced. Authorities plan to implement scientific and sustainable water management practices to ensure water security for the region in the years ahead.

Anjunem Dam supports paddy cultivation, vegetable farming, cashew plantations, coconut groves, and other horticultural activities in several villages of Sattari.

Farmers have repeatedly complained that poor maintenance and leakage in canals prevented adequate water from reaching their fields. The modernisation project is expected to improve irrigation efficiency and provide substantial relief to the farming community.

Apart from agriculture, the modernisation of Anjunem Dam is expected to benefit the rural economy, drinking water supply, and overall water conservation efforts.

Given the increasing uncertainty in rainfall patterns due to climate change, the project is being viewed as a crucial step toward ensuring sustainable development in Sattari.

Local residents and farmer organisations have welcomed the decision while stressing that timely implementation and completion of the works will be equally important. They believe that the modernisation of Anjunem Dam will open a new chapter in the development of Sattari taluka and strengthen its agricultural future.