PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haldwani
The work on the Jamrani Multipurpose Dam Project, set to prove a milestone in Kumaon’s development, being built on the Gaula river at a cost of about Rs 3,678.23 crore, is progressing rapidly. Informing this, the officials said that it is scheduled to be completed by June 2029. Its completion is expected to provide a permanent solution to the long-continuing drinking water and irrigation problems of Haldwani, Nainital and the Terai-Bhabar region.
The officials further said that the Jamrani Dam is being designed to modern engineering standards. “Like the Tehri Dam, one of Asia’s major dams, it is being developed in a trapezoidal structure, which will enhance its strength and durability,” the project’s general manager, R K Khare said, adding that this approximately 150-meter-high dam would have a base width of 140 meters and a top width of eight meters.
Approximately 20,000 metric tons of steel and 2.8 million cubic meters of concrete will be used in construction. Currently, approximately 300 workers and technical staff are working day and night at the project site.
“With things progressing as per the stipulated timeline, 97 per cent of the work on the second tunnel is complete. Under the project, two large tunnels are being constructed to control and safely divert the flow of river water,” he added.
Sharing more details, Khare said that the construction of the 600-meter-long first tunnel has already been completed. “Work on the 644-meter-long second tunnel is also in its final stages. So far, 597 meters of excavation has been completed, representing approximately 97 per cent of the total. Only 47 meters of excavation remains, and the plan is to complete it by the first week of July and open the tunnel.
However, due to safety and technical reasons, water drainage will not be done through the tunnel this monsoon. Other construction work is also progressing rapidly,” he informed.
Construction of key structures within the project, such as the diversion tunnel, coffer dam, inlet structure and vented causeway, is also progressing rapidly in accordance with the scheduled timeline, said senior officials, adding that all work is being regularly monitored to ensure timely completion.
The construction of the Jamrani Dam will significantly expand irrigation facilities in the Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts, and ensure long-term drinking water supply to Haldwani, Lalkuan and surrounding areas.
The project’s benefits will not, however, be limited to Uttarakhand. Farmers in the Rampur and Bareilly districts of Uttar Pradesh will also have access to adequate irrigation water, boosting agricultural production and regional economic development.
