Gujarat Accelerates Vishwamitri River Restoration: HM Sanghavi Assures Completion Before Monsoon
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Synopsis
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited Vadodara to review the Vishwamitri River Revival Project, promising swift progress and completion before the monsoon. He emphasized collaboration among stakeholders and highlighted the importance of the project for flood management and ecological restoration.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat is leading the way in river revival efforts.
- 32% of irrigation work has been completed.
- Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial.
- Boating activities may be introduced post-completion.
- The project aims to enhance the river’s carrying capacity significantly.
Vadodara, April 25 (NationPress) Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi came to Vadodara on Friday to assess ongoing development initiatives, specifically the Vishwamitri River Revival Project.
Upon arriving by train in the morning, Sanghavi started his visit at the Sama area to evaluate the project site, followed by a high-level discussion with senior officials from the district and city.
After the meeting, Sanghavi spoke to the media, emphasizing the swift progress of the work, labeling it as historic and noting that Gujarat might be the first state in India to undertake such an extensive revival project at this pace.
During a comprehensive briefing with officials from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, the district administration, elected representatives, and other stakeholders, he revealed plans to extend working hours over the next 15 days to meet deadlines ahead of the monsoon.
Sanghavi reported that 32 percent of the irrigation department’s tasks, spanning 24 km beyond the municipal boundaries, have already been accomplished, with preparations in place to finalize the remaining work prior to the rainy season.
These tasks include repairing check dams, desilting, and ensuring pre-monsoon readiness across various departments.
The home minister pointed out that the project team had set a goal of completing one percent of the work daily over the last 45 days and is currently surpassing that target.
“With this level of coordination and planning, we are optimistic about achieving outstanding results in the upcoming days,” he stated.
“All stakeholders are collaborating with the community’s best interests in mind,” he added.
Once the project reaches completion, Sanghavi mentioned that the river’s carrying capacity will see a significant enhancement.
Discussions have also started regarding the initiation of boating activities, with the municipal commissioner assigned to make the necessary arrangements.
“This is a people-first project. I am fully confident that Team Vadodara will achieve major success,” Sanghavi concluded.
The Vishwamitri River is one of Vadodara’s most vital natural water bodies, flowing through the city’s center and playing a crucial role in its ecology, drainage, and urban infrastructure.
Over the years, rapid urbanization, encroachments, and pollution have adversely affected the river, diminishing its flow and increasing flood risks during monsoons.
The Vishwamitri Revival Project seeks to revitalize the river by deepening and widening its channel, repairing old check dams, clearing invasive vegetation, and enhancing the river’s overall carrying capacity.
This project is essential not only for flood management and environmental restoration but also for fostering a cleaner, healthier urban ecosystem for the city’s inhabitants.
