Jawai Dam
Jawai Bandh is a dam built across the Jawai river, a tributary of Luni river, in Rajasthan.[3]
| Jawai dam | |
|---|---|
 Jawai dam | |
| Country | India |
| Location | Pali district, Rajasthan |
| Coordinates | 25.090569°N 73.149381°E |
| Purpose | Irrigation and water supply[1] |
| Opening date | 1956-57[1] |
| Owner(s) | Rajasthan Water Resources Department |
| Operator(s) | Rajasthan Water Resources Department |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Earthen and masonry [1] |
| Impounds | Jawai River[1] |
| Height (foundation) | 51 m[1] |
| Spillway capacity | 150000 cubic metres per second[1] |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 207.5 MCM[2] |
| Active capacity | 193.5 MCM[2] |
Geography and History
The dam is situated near Sumerpur town in Pali District of Rajasthan state in India. The dam was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur.
The idea of building a dam over River Jawai was conceived in 1903 as its flooding waters caused heavy damage in Pali and Jalore district during monsoon. It was finally given shape in 1946. The project was to construct a dam across the river, creation of water reservoir, which could be used for water irrigation and hydel power generation. [4] The work started on 12 May 1946. By 1951, when first 5-year plan was launched, nearly 124 Lakh Rupees were already spent on this project. The hydel project was suspended, since sufficient pressure was not likely to be available throughout the year, after meeting the irrigation demand. Revised estimated cost was revised to Rupees 300 Lakhs. Project completed in 1957.[4]
This dam covers an area of 13 km2. This is the biggest man made dam in western Rajasthan. The dam has the capacity of 7887.5 million cubic feet and covers an area of 102,315 acres (414.05 km2) of cultivable command area.[5] Its height is about 61.25 feet (18.67 m). Sei dam and Kalibor dam are the feeder dams of the Jawai dam. The catchment area of the dam site is 720 square kilometres and basin is in the shape of a fan.[3]
It is the main water supply source for Pali district. If there is sufficient water in the dam, then some villages of Jalore district and Pali district get water for irrigation from the Jawai dam, which was the main aim in making this dam.[4]
Biodiversity
Jawai is now known for its leopard sightings,[6] bird watching.[7] Many migratory bird species are spotted here during winter season.[8] Jawai dam is also known for large crocodile population, as of 2020 there were 377 crocodiles in Jawai Dam.[9]
Gallery
This image is captured from the backside of Jawai Bandh.
For many years Jawai has been preserving flora and fauna in this part of the Rajasthan. Being a point for many birds during the migration or for settlement
Very few people know that the Jawai dam is a grazing ground for many sheep. The farmers of the village bring their sheep near the water area for grazing.
Scenic beauty of Jawai dam. This image captures the amount of water level that has reduced in this Dam.
Jawai dam constituting many crocodiles that rest on the shores during the daytime or wait for their pray to come nearby.
Flamingo sighting at Jawai Dam
Leopard sighting near Jawai Dam
References
- Details of Major Projects of Water Resources Department. Government of Rajasthan Water Resources. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
- Hydrological Data (Unclassified) Book. Central Water Commission. 2018.
- textsApplication Of GIUH And GIS Based Approach For Design Flood Estimation. National Institute of Hydrology. 1998.
- DistrictGazettee 1976, p. 78.
- "Data" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- "ABOUT JAWAI BANDH IN RAJASTHAN WHERE LEOPARDS DO NOT HARM THE UNGUARDED LOCALS". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- "Birding at Jawai Dam, Pali District in Rajasthan".
- "The Bera Bond".
- "Jawai crocodile conservation Scheme". Patrika. patrika.com. 12 October 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- Sehgal K.K. (1976). Rajasthan [district Gazetteers].: Pali. Gazetteer of India. Printed at Government Central Press. Retrieved 20 February 2022.