Have the Maintenance Works on the Historic Ajwa Sarovar's 62 Gates Been Completed Before Monsoon in Vadodara?

Vadodara, May 27 (NationPress) The yearly upkeep of the 62 gates at the historic Ajwa Sarovar, which serves as a vital water resource for the city of Vadodara, has been successfully finalized, according to official reports.

This maintenance work, conducted last month, ensures the system is prepared for the monsoon season and capable of effectively handling overflow.

Each year, prior to the arrival of the rainy season, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation performs routine maintenance on the gates. This process involves dismantling the gate balls, leveling and resetting the gates, painting, and applying graphite powder to minimize friction and prevent rust.

The municipal staff manually oils and services the gates to guarantee their smooth operation.

Constructed during the Gaekwadi era, Ajwa Sarovar plays a significant role in the water supply of the city.

When the reservoir reaches its full capacity, the gates facilitate the release of excess water into the Vishwamitri River.

The gate levels are generally preset but can be modified based on rainfall amounts and directives from city officials. Maintenance efforts also extended to upstream gates located at Pratappura, Ujeti, and Jodiana, in accordance with annual protocols.

Last week, the Municipal Commissioner and senior officials visited the site to assess progress and inspect the gate systems. Following the first rainfall of the season, an additional round of cleaning and oiling will be conducted to eliminate any dust or debris, ensuring the gates operate efficiently throughout the monsoon.

Currently, Vadodara is experiencing a severe water crisis, exacerbated by extreme heat, infrastructural challenges, and increasing public frustration. With temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees Celsius, the demand for water in the city has surged, placing tremendous stress on existing resources.

Numerous residents report low water pressure and inconsistent supply, particularly in densely populated areas, further aggravating their discomfort in the sweltering summer heat.

Data on water distribution released by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) indicates uneven supply across various zones.

For instance, on May 26, the East Zone received 169.60 million liters per day (MLD), significantly exceeding its benchmark of 137.20 MLD, while the North Zone received only 131.60 MLD against a requirement of 140.60 MLD.

This disparity underscores systemic issues in resource distribution that leave certain areas underserved.

To tackle both current and future water-related challenges, the VMC has initiated a substantial ₹2,750 crore flood control project.