Narmada River starts its journey from the Maikal Ranges at Amarkantak and travels a distance of 1312km before it finally joins the Arabian Sea. It is the fifth largest river in India. The idea of damming the Narmada cropped up and ensued in what is widely known as ‘The Narmada Valley Project”. This project involves setting up of a number of mega hydroelectric dams across Narmada River. The plan includes setting up 30 major dams, 3000 small ones and 135 medium-sized dams, of which Sardar Sarovar Dam is the largest.

Narmada is an administrative district of Gujarat. It is surrounded by Maharashtra state on the east, Bharuch district towards the west, Tapi district at the south and Vadodara district in the north. The district came into shape in the year 1997. It is dotted with several tourist places of note, distinguished among them are the Sardar Sarovar dam, Malsamot waterfalls, Shoolpaneshwar sanctuary, Vijayrah Palace, Shuklatirth, Harisiddhi Mata temple and Garudeshwar.

History

The idea of constructing a series of dams on Narmada River was seeded way back during the British Raj. The idea sprouted again after independence and in the 1940s this project was considered by the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. However, it was only in 1979 that the project was established and construction was initiated.

Controversy Related to Narmada Dam

Ever since the inception of Narmada project, various controversies have been piling up. The project was strongly opposed by various environmentalists not only in India but also from other parts of the world. According to environmentalists, the project will demand not only the need to dislocate more than 300, 000 people, but it will also disrupt natural surrounding leading to deforestation, pose a high risk of earthquakes, spread diseases, disrupt downstream fisheries and disturb the ecosystem. Since the mid 1980’s, several protests have been held by Narmada Bachhao Andolan (Save the Narmada Movement). It is a social movement encompassing farmers, adivasis, environmentalists and human rights activists.The outrages by this movement led Japan and the World Bank to end funding of the project.

Tourists and Dam

Due to the controversial nature of Narmada project, the place sees a large influx of tourists every year. Of all places along Narmada district, Sardar Sarovar Dam is perhaps the most frequented. Gujarat Tourism organizes one-day tour packages and weekend tour packages for people who would like to see the Sardar Sarovar Dam and its surrounding areas.

Other places of note in and around Narmada district include Garudeshwar, Rajpipla, Chandod, Shoopaneshwar Temple, Kabirwad,Panchvati Van, Nareshwar, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chanampaner, Dediapada Range, Dhumkai Sanctuary, Kayavarohan, Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Pavagath and Shiva Temples.  

Distance

The nearest city from Narmada district is Bharuch. It is located at a distance of 110 km.  

Best Season to Visit

The Narmada Valley or Narmada district can be visited all round the year. Temperature during the summer ranges between 23 degree Celsius to 44 degree Celsius and during winter the temperature fluctuates between 10 degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius.

How to Reach

By Air

Vadodara Airport is closest for those who would like to take a flight.

By Train

Bharuch Railway Station is closest from the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

By Road

The state of Gujarat is well connected to all neighboring cities and towns by the State Transport Corporation.