In the first, Gujarat is building two air-filled cofferdams using South Korean technology

Gujarat is building its first two air-filled rubber dams using South Korean technology to improve water storage, irrigation and flood management, the state government said on Monday (July 06, 2026).

The two projects are being constructed across Heran river at Rajvasana village in Chhota Udepur district and Ambika river at Pathakwadi village in Tapi district at a total cost of more than ₹162 crore.

The Rajvasana Rubber Dam, which is being constructed at a cost of ₹82.97 crore, is 75% complete and is expected to be commissioned by September 2027. The project will directly benefit 25 villages by providing irrigation to 3,420 hectares of agricultural land.

The government said the 180-metre rubber dam will increase the storage capacity of the existing dam to 3.5 million cubic meters (MCM), which will help improve groundwater recharge and availability of irrigation and drinking water.

Officials said the inflatable rubber structure can be deflated during strong monsoon currents, allowing floodwaters and mud to pass while reducing the risk of flooding. The project also includes the construction of anti-flood walls along both banks of the Heran River and a 10-year operation and maintenance plan.

The second project, Pathakwadi Rubber Dam in Tapi district, is being constructed at a cost of ₹ 79.13 crore and is 90% complete. Once commissioned, it will provide assured irrigation to about 650 hectares of agricultural land in Pathakwadi and surrounding villages.

According to the government, the dam was designed to Japanese engineering standards and will use an air-filled rubber bag imported from South Korea. Between 18mm and 32mm thick, the rubber membrane is designed to withstand temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius and has an estimated lifespan of 30 years.

The Pathakwadi project will also feature a SCADA-based automation system that will automatically inflate and deflate the rubber bladder based on operational requirements.

The government said the rubber dam will store 3.5 MCM of water, improve the water table, boost irrigation for Kharif and summer crops and help reduce soil erosion and flooding during the monsoon by allowing flood water and silt to pass downstream when the structure is drained.

Officials said the projects are part of the state’s efforts to strengthen water conservation and irrigation infrastructure as part of the resort’s “Catch the Rain” campaign.

Published – 07 Jul 2026 10:34 IST