Strengthening the Jayakwadi Dam: A $80-Crore Initiative

The Jayakwadi dam, located in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, is undergoing a major safety reinforcement project. Funded with Rs 80 crore from the World Bank, efforts include applying an epoxy layer, strengthening the spillway, and implementing advanced monitoring equipment to ensure the dam's structural integrity in the drought-prone Marathwada region.

The state irrigation department is embarking on a significant renovation project to fortify the Jayakwadi dam's infrastructure. Located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's Paithan taluka, the dam is crucial for irrigating the water-scarce Marathwada region.

Following a comprehensive safety survey, the World Bank has allocated Rs 80 crore for critical upgrades, including the application of an epoxy layer on the spillway's expansive 17,500 square metre surface. This layer, consisting of a resin and hardener mixture, is designed to provide a robust, glossy finish and prevent further erosion of all 27 gates.

In addition to the epoxy treatment, the rocky area below the spillway will be excavated to a depth of 1.5 metres and fortified with special concrete and bolting to fix its uneven surface. The initiative also includes the installation of advanced equipment such as seismometers and piezometers to enhance monitoring over the next three years.

(With inputs from agencies.)