Surpura Dam is a storage reservoir for supplying the needs of drinking water to Aapno Jodhpur, the second biggest city in Rajasthan by 2029 as the project report claims. It is located near Surpura village, around 18km away from Jodhpur city, which is both district & sub-district headquarter of Surpura village.
The Surpura Dam project was launched in the year 2013 with the then Congress government receiving a loan of Rs. 630 Crore from the French development agency – L’Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for the 750 Crore project. The massive Reorganised Jodhpur Water Supply Project open up several opportunities for the private sector as the project scope involved laying new and refurbishing old water pipelines, setting up new water pumping stations and reservoirs, besides filter plants.
This ambitious project has strengthened water supply in the Sun City, paving the way for adoption of a round-the-clock supply system. This project facilitates the supply of quality drinking water in Jodhpur, situated on the doorstep of the mighty Thar desert, and help in dealing with the perennial problem of shortage of water.
As per the arrangement with AFD, the agency provided a soft loan of Rs 440 crore against the total cost of Rs 550 crore for the first phase of the water supply project. The loan was sanctioned on a floating rate of interest as “6-monthly Euribor” flat, which is currently 1.425 per cent per annum and the principal sum was agreed to be repaid in a duration of 15 years after the execution period of five years. AFD also gave an in-principle approval for a loan of Rs 190 crore for the second phase of the project.
The Surpura project provides a regular water supply for Mahamandir, Mandor and Paota areas of the Jodhpur city, which faced a huge drinking water problem earlier. Nagaur Road, Jaipur Road, and Pali Road settlements (residential colonies) also get regular drinking water supply through the project.
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Surpura Dam Project Work
The project included the laying of 66-kilometer new pipeline and refurbishment of 40-km old water lines. A diggi of 21 crore cubic feet capacity was also prepared in Surpura dam which is connected to Rajiv Gandhi lift canal through a 30 Km long pipeline. Two pumping stations and clean water reservoirs having a capacity of 80 lakh litres each were set up as the part of the project in Surpura and Takhat Sagar while one clean water reservoir having a capacity of 17.5 lakh litres was constructed in Lalsagar. Two filter plants having a capacity of 9 crore litres and 6 crore litres were also set up in Surpura and Takhat Sagar.
Latest Update From Surpura Dam
However, in the past years, there have been many reports of mismanagement and wastage of water near the Surpura Dam site as the land mafia spread its wings and thrived in the vicinity. Reports claim illegal construction and manipulation of resources for private profit has stopped the rainwater reaching the dam even after good rainfall in Mandore region and Daijar hilly area.
Land mafia had even set up illegal settlements and disrupted the water flow and supply, all this under the radar of the authorities. With some strict action from the authorities, the illegal elements can be removed and the much flamboyant project can serve to the masses with its full might.
Alongside, Surpura Dam offers one of the best scenic views in the wonderful conurbation of Jodhpur. If you are looking to spend some time lonely or with some companion then this is one of the best places to be in. Theis place has become a heaven for the photography lovers. Many people are preferring this place for pre-wedding shoots and selfies.
The most mesmerizing sight for a sightseer in this attraction of the town will be the scene of the amazing sunrise and sunset which happens down opposite mountain. Clearly, for a peaceful and relaxing time amidst some natural scenic beauty, this place is one the best which the wonderful city of Jodhpur offers to its tourists.
READ ALSO: Jodhpur- The Gateway To The Thar, A Popular Tourist Destinatio
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