Gujarat Builds First Two Air-Filled Rubber Dams in Chhota Udepur

Gujarat is constructing its first-ever air-filled rubber dams using South Korean technology, marking a new chapter in the state's water management approach. The projects are coming up across the Heran River in the Chhota Udepur district and the Ambika River in the Tapi district, aimed at water storage, irrigation, and flood control.

Gujarat's First Air-Filled Rubber Dam Projects: Key Details 

The government of Gujarat has recently started working on sustainable dam projects. 

Rajvasana Rubber Dam

1. Location - Rajvasana village in Chhota Udepur
2. Overall Budget - ₹82.97 crore
3. Current Status - Nearly 75% done as of 6th July 2026
4. Date of Commission -  September 2027
5. River -  Heran River

Pathakwadi Rubber Dam

1. Location - Pathakwadi village in Tapi
2. Overall Budget - ₹79.13 crore
3. Current Status -  90% done
4. River -  Ambika River

Both the bridges, if put together, are over a ₹162 crore budget. Rajvasana Rubber Dam, once operational, covers 3,420 hectares across 25 villages. Pathakwadi Dam is further along and brings assured irrigation to roughly 650 hectares nearby.

What is an Air-Filled Rubber Dam?

It's a flexible hydraulic structure, a rubber bladder anchored across a river, inflated with air to raise water levels and deflated during high flows to let water and silt pass through naturally. Simple concept, effective engineering.

South Korean Technology and Technical Features

The bladders aren't made locally; they will come from South Korea. Each one runs between 18 mm and 32 mm thick, rated for temperatures crossing 50°C, and built to last 30 years. Inflation and deflation aren't manual either — SCADA automation handles it, adjusting in real time based on river conditions.