The Rs 1,856 crore Isarda Dam project on the Banas River is nearing a major milestone as officials prepare for the initial phase of water storage, pending final approval from the state government.

The project, which is 95 percent complete, aims to enhance water access for seven cities and 1,256 villages in Dausa and Sawai Madhopur districts of Rajasthan. Executive Engineer Vikas Garg confirmed that once the Bisalpur Dam is opened, 3.27 TMC of water will be stored in Isarda Dam. "We are fully prepared for the initial water storage phase and are awaiting instructions from the state govt," he stated.

The dam, located in Tonk district, features 28 gates, a 600-mtrs. concrete structure, and about five km of earthen dam construction on both flanks. Its full storage capacity is 10.77 TMC. Despite delays and four deadline extensions since its 2013 inception, the project’s budget has increased from the original Rs 530 crore to Rs 1,856 crore, including compensation.

Following inspection by the State Dam Safety Team, the project now awaits the Central Water Committee’s review. It plays a pivotal role in the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), with future plans to supply water to Jaipur’s Ramgarh Dam. Tonk, Central Water Committee, dam inspection, water storage, drinking water, rural water supply.