First air-filled rubber dam built in Gujarat

• The Gujarat government is developing two modern dams based on air-filled rubber dam technology for the first time in the state.

• These projects are being constructed on the Heran River in Chhota Udepur district and the Ambika River in Tapi district.

• Built using advanced South Korean technology, the primary objective of these rubber dams is the effective conservation of rainwater, enhancement of irrigation capacity, and strengthening of flood control measures.

• This initiative is a significant step towards promoting sustainable water resource management and rainwater harvesting, aligning with the Central Government's 'Catch the Rain' campaign.

• The state's first rubber dam, the Rajvasana Rubber Dam, is being built in Rajvasana village of Chhota Udepur district, while the second, the Pathakwadi Rubber Dam, is being constructed in Pathakwadi village of Tapi district.

• The estimated total cost for both projects exceeds ₹162 crore; the Rajvasana project is estimated at approximately ₹82.97 crore, and the Pathakwadi project at over ₹79.13 crore.

• As of July 6, 2026, approximately 75 percent of the construction work on the Rajvasana dam and about 90 percent on the Pathakwadi dam has been completed.

• The Rajvasana project is expected to become operational by September 2027, providing irrigation facilities to approximately 3,420 hectares of agricultural land across 25 villages. Meanwhile, the Pathakwadi Rubber Dam will provide permanent irrigation to an agricultural area of ​​approximately 650 hectares.