Narmada downstream dries up as Riverbed Powerhouse shuts

The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd(SSNNL) has shut down the 1200 MW capacity Riverbed Powerhouse (RBPH) of the Sardar Sarovar dam from April 1 as the level of the dam lowered to 125.57 meters from its maximum capacity of 138.68 metres.

Along with the closure of the RBPH, the SSNNL also opened the gates of the Garudeshwar Weir, located 12 kilometres downstream of the dam, thus causing the river to dry. The RBPH, after generating power, releases the water downstream, which is then held by the Garudeshwar Weir to allow the Ekta Cruise of the Statue of Unity to run.

The closure of the RBPH would also mean a break from the cruise service.