First monsoon rains in upper catchment areas of Ukai dams

SURAT: Upper catchments of Ukai dam on Tapi river received first showers of monsoon in last 24 hours. Even parts of Surat city received small showers during the time.
“Like last year this year too rains have arrived on time in upper catchment areas of MP and Maharastra. Six of the 14 gauge stations located in upper parts of the dam have recorded rains .” said an official from Ukai dam authority.
During the last 24 hours Sawankheda recorded nearly 50 mm, Dhulia about 37.5 mm, Gopalkheda 4 mm, Sarankheda 4 mm, Dahigaon 4 mm and Chikhaldhara recorded 2 mm of rains.
Meanwhile authorities have changed the rule level of Ukai dam , IN 2013 rule level of the reservoir on 01, July, 2013 was fixed at 321 feet , however this year it has been brought down to 316 feet.
“This adjustment is done looking at the possibility of heavy inflow of water in dam during the later part of the monsoon.” said an official.
The levels at Ukai dam at present were recorded at 309.25 feet and is expected to rise in coming 15 days if monsoon keeps its date with the region.