Dholera SIR Smart City: Water Started Spilling in Six KM Long Artificial River

24 February 2025 Dholera

Dholera SIR Smart City: Water Started Spilling in Six KM Long Artificial River

The showpiece of Gujarat, Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) Smart City reflects India's vision of a sustainable process of urbanization. One of the key attractions of this megaproject is to development of an artificial river six kilometers long, which would serve to negate the dearth of water and improve the city's ecological balance. Anything but an engineering wonder, this artificial river is also a testament to the innovative thrust behind Dholera's development.

The planning for the artificial river project coincides with the vision planning involved in Dholera SIR. With awareness of the region’s desert-like condition and constraints on natural water sources, planners are working to create a 15-kilometer-long river as a reliable water reservoir. Six kilometers have been constructed into the river to date, with a width of 110 meters and a depth of 15 meters. This part of the section has already begun to fill with water, primarily from the recent monsoon rains, a milestone in the history of city development.

Other than its primary function of storing water, the artificial river plays a multi-faceted role in the urban environment of Dholera. It is part of the city’s rainwater harvesting system, collecting and storing monsoon runoff that would otherwise go to waste. The project gives a reliable source of water for household and commercial purposes, reducing dependence on external sources. Additionally, planning for the river involves flood control measures, which significantly reduce the likelihood of urban flooding during rain showers. The riverbanks are also being developed into green spaces with riverside gardens and leisure spaces that support biodiversity and offer individuals serene landscapes for leisure use. Seamless integration of the artificial river is part of the comprehensive vision of Dholera Smart City which covers approximately 920 square kilometers and comprises 22 villages.

The city has been strategically planned into six town planning schemes, each of which has been carefully designed to incorporate space for various segments of society, such as residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational areas. The presence of the artificial river in the planning process is a reflection of the intent of the city towards sustainable development and creative infrastructure planning. This combined plan not only meets existing water needs but enhances the quality of life for its projected population of 2 million citizens.

The roots of Dholera’s renewal date back to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s days as Gujarat Chief Minister. He had a dream to bring back the ancient port city of Lothal with the appearance of contemporary amenities to make it a global urban hub. The artificial river is one manifestation of the dream, both a symbol of heritage and a creation of modern urban planning. Concerning the older attempts of desilting the desert region water sources, the project pays tribute to the great history of India while mapping urban solutions that look towards the future. Far from being just a utilitarian feat, this artificial river has been symbolic too, of out-of-the-box, forward-thinking ideas that sum up Dholera’s vision. The artificially built river development also boosted the stream of investments and economic expansion into the region. The enhanced water infrastructure assures prospective investors of a steady supply of water, which is important for various industrial and commercial applications.

This, coupled with the advantageously located city and high-tech infrastructure, converts Dholera SIR Smart City into a preferred destination for traders and businessmen wanting to explore opportunities for growth within a sustainable city environment. Urban planning has separate zones for industrial growth, logistics, and knowledge sectors, providing a favourable environment for economic diversification and innovation. All in all, the opening of the six-kilometre section of the artificial river in Dholera SIR Smart City is an imperative step towards the achievement of a future-proof city. This project demonstrates that innovative engineering when combined with sustainable projects and visionary planning, can fight against environmental problems and provide the foundation for resilient, prosperous cities. As Dholera grows, the man-made river is evidence of the city’s vision to balance development and nature to create a prosperous and sustainable future for its people. The success of the project serves as an example for all other cities with the same problems, and it shows that with vision and imagination, urban sustainability is possible.