The Tawa Reservoir, located in the Narmadapuram District of Madhya Pradesh, is a vital water body formed by the construction of the Tawa Dam. Known for its agricultural importance and scenic beauty, it has also emerged as a significant site for wildlife conservation.
In 2024, the Tawa Reservoir gained further recognition by being designated as a Ramsar site, highlighting its ecological importance on a national scale. Serving as the western boundary for the Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, this reservoir is not only crucial for irrigation but also a thriving hub for biodiversity and tourism.
Location of Tawa Reservoir
- Tawa Reservoir is situated on the Tawa River in central India.
- It is located in the Narmadapuram District of Madhya Pradesh, near Itarsi and just above Betul district.
Construction of Tawa Dam
- The reservoir was created as a result of the Tawa Dam construction.
- The dam project began in 1958 and was completed in 1978.
- It plays a crucial role in irrigating thousands of hectares of agricultural land in the Narmadapuram and Harda districts.
Tourist Attraction and Ecological Significance
- Tawa Reservoir has become a popular tourist destination during the monsoon season, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty.
- In 2024, the Tawa Reservoir was recognized as a Ramsar site of national importance for its ecological value.
Connection to Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
This makes it a key landmark for wildlife conservation in the region.
The reservoir forms the western boundary of the Satpura National Park and the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.
Construction of Tawa Dam
- Tawa Dam was built on the Tawa River during the 1970s.
- The dam was constructed by the Madhya Pradesh government.
- The main objectives were to provide a stable water supply and generate hydropower.
Leadership and Contribution of Shri Vinay Kumar Diwan
- The project was led by the late Shri Vinay Kumar Diwan.
- Diwan was affectionately known as “Denva Ke Gandhi” due to his contributions to public welfare.
- He served as an MLA in the region for nearly two decades.
Displacement of Local Communities
- Local communities were displaced during the construction of the dam.
- Compensation for the land was extremely low, between Rs. 75 to 150 per acre.
- The displaced communities were relocated to higher ground without basic amenities promised by the government.
Loss of Fishing Rights
- After displacement, the local communities lost their fishing rights.
- The government took over control of fishing rights indefinitely.
- Fishing rights were later transferred to private companies, leading to overfishing and depletion of fish populations.
- Private companies hired bodyguards to police the reservoir, intimidating local villagers.
Formation of Tawa Matsya Sangh
- In response, the displaced communities formed a self-help cooperative called the Tawa Matsya Sangh.
- The cooperative regained fishing rights and worked to restore the fish population.
- Cooperative members earned modest profits to support their livelihoods.
Challenges Faced by the Oustees
- The oustees had to pay Rs. 12 lakh annually to the government for fishing rights.
- In 2006, the government revoked their fishing rights again, citing the commercial importance of the reservoir.
- The government established a reserve to protect fish stocks, further restricting the oustees.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Decision
- The oustees took their fight to the Supreme Court, claiming they had rebuilt the fish population sustainably.
- Unfortunately, they lost the case, and fishing was permanently banned in the Tawa Reserve.
Tourism at Tawa Dam
- Today, the Tawa Dam has become a popular tourist destination, particularly during the monsoon season.
- The tourism department has introduced a cruise boat service for visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings.
