How The Netherlands Built A 32-KM Sea Barrier That Could Inspire India’s Water Revolution

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the famous Afsluitdijk dam of Netherlands on Sunday. During this, he described this technology of water management as “revolutionary”. PM Modi's objective was to understand how fresh water can be stored on a large scale by blocking salt water from the sea so that a similar project can be taken forward in India.

Why is Afsluitdijk Dam considered so special?

This 32-kilometre-long sea dam of the Netherlands was built about 90 years ago. Its main purpose was to stop the salt water of the sea. Due to this project, the world's largest artificial freshwater lake named 'Ijsselmeer', was created. This dam played a big role in protecting the Netherlands from floods and providing water for drinking and agriculture.

What is Kalpsar Project of India?

India is working on ‘Kalpsar Project’ in Gujarat. Under this, there is a plan to build a dam about 30 kilometers long in the Gulf of Khambhat. The purpose of this dam is to stop the water of Narmada, Mahi, Sabarmati and other rivers from flowing into the sea so that a huge freshwater reservoir can be created.

An area in which the Netherlands has done pioneering work is water resources. There is a lot the entire global community can learn from them.

This morning, I had the opportunity to visit the Afsluitdijk and understand the salient features of this project. I am thankful to PM… pic.twitter.com/dYFfiAuzKZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2026

How will India benefit from this project?

This mega project can provide relief to water-scarce areas of Gujarat like Saurashtra, Kutch and South Gujarat. A large amount of fresh water will be available for agriculture, drinking water and industries. There is also a plan to build a 10-lane transport corridor over the dam, which can reduce the travel distance by more than 200 kilometers.

Will this project also produce electricity?

According to reports, work will also be done on the technology of power generation from sea waves and solar energy in this project. Apart from this, this project can also prove helpful in protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels and cyclones.

What agreement has been signed between India and Netherlands?

Both countries have agreed to increase technical cooperation regarding the Kalpasar project. A Memorandum of Intent (MoU) has also been signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti of India and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands. Its objective is to implement the successful water management technology of Netherlands in India.