The declining ground water level and drying water reservoirs due to low rainfall last year has created the possibility of severe water crisis but water management done with promptness and monitoring in Narmada Valley dams saved a major part of the state from impending water crisis.

 As part of the proper water management, the reduction in flow of Narmada water from Amarkantak to Omkareshwar till December was measured.  Similarly, water need of cities, towns and villages based on Narmada river between January to June was assessed.

On the basis of this assessment, plan was made to release water from the dams, as per the need, maintaining reserve water required from January to June.

Considering the need of water for population, Gujarat was given consent to use reserve water in Sardar Sarovar Water Reservoir, rejecting its demand to provide 800 MCM water.  As per the need, first three, then five, seven and ten MCM water was discharged from Bargi, Indira Sagar and Omkareshwar water reservoirs. It made water supply for drinking, irrigation and drainage water to Jabalpur, Katni, Ujjain, Indore, Bhopal and Dewas like major cities along with a rural population residing on Narmada basin.

This was result of proper water management that Indira Sagar dam was maintained from 248 to 251 meter as per compare June to 262.13 meter full tank capacity in severe summer in June and situation of water scarcity. Similarly, Bargi dam was maintained at the level of 414 to 417 metre, against 422.76 metre of full water tank. Omkareshwar dam was maintained at 193 metre against the full tank capacity of 196.60 metre. With the biggest water storage capacity, Indira Sagar dam is not only the biggest dam of State but in India as well. Its full water tank capacity is 7.9 million acre feet that is 1200.2 crore cubic meters.  The catchment area of the dam sprawls in 913.48 sq km. This way, Indira Sagar is a reliable water bank of the state at the time of crisis.