Bhilwara: The Rs 615 crore Isarda Dam project on the Banas River is approaching a significant milestone as officials prepare to store water for the first time, pending state govt’s approval. The project, which is now 95% complete, promises to transform water accessibility for seven cities and 1,256 villages across the Dausa and Sawai Madhopur districts.Executive engineer Vikas Garg confirmed that preparations are complete to store 3.27 TMC of water in Isarda Dam once the gates of Bisalpur Dam, which has nearly reached its capacity this monsoon season, are opened. “We are fully prepared for the initial water storage phase and are awaiting instructions from the state govt,” Garg said.The dam, featuring 28 gates and a 600-meter concrete structure, is Tonk district’s second-largest after Bisalpur Dam. The project includes approximately 5-km of earthen dam construction on both sides and is designed to store up to 10.77 TMC of water at full capacity.Following the dam’s 95% completion, inspections have been carried out by the State Dam Safety team. Currently, officials are waiting for the Central Water Committee of the central govt to conduct their assessment.Despite facing multiple delays and four deadline extensions since its inception in 2013, the project has seen its budget revised from the initial Rs 530 crore to Rs 1,856 crore, including compensation costs. The State Dam Safety Team has already conducted its inspection and the project now awaits final approval from the Centre govt’s CW Committee.The dam is expected to play a crucial role in the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), with future plans including water transfer to Jaipur’s Ramgarh Dam. “This infrastructure will significantly impact the region’s water security and drinking water availability,” added Garg.The completion of this long-awaited project marks a significant step forward in Rajasthan’s water management infrastructure, promising improved water security for millions of residents in the region.
