What Measures Are Being Taken in Ahmedabad Due to Heavy Water Discharge from Dharoi Dam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall has prompted significant water discharge from key dams.
- Authorities are actively monitoring water levels.
- Safety measures include closing riverfront access and increased patrols.
- Residents are advised to stay alert and informed.
- Relocations have occurred for vulnerable families.
Ahmedabad, Sep 7 (NationPress) - Intense rainfall in the upstream catchment regions has compelled officials to release significant volumes of water from the Dharoi Dam and Lakroda Weir in Gujarat over the last couple of days, leading to a variety of safety precautions throughout the low-lying areas of Ahmedabad.
Nearly 95,000 cusecs were discharged from the Dharoi Dam, alongside 90,000 cusecs from the Lakroda Weir.
On Sunday, the outflow increased further — the Dharoi Dam continued its release at 95,000 cusecs, while the discharge from the Lakroda Weir surged to 1.47 lakh cusecs.
The inflow from upstream sources, including Dharoi and Sant Sarovar, exceeded 1.20 lakh cusecs, necessitating the opening of 27 gates of the Vasna Barrage to redirect water downstream towards the sea, impacting the Sabarmati Riverfront's lower promenade.
The discharge from the Vasna Barrage reached a peak of 93,658 cusecs around 5 p.m., with the water level recorded at 131 feet. For reference, peak flows in previous years included 1.85 lakh cusecs in 2017, 90,000 cusecs in 2019, and 50,000 cusecs in 2022.
This year, the highest release so far recorded was 1.06 lakh cusecs at 2 p.m. on Sunday. To ensure public safety, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) closed the riverfront promenade and deployed security personnel along both banks of the Sabarmati. Local police stations have been notified and patrolling teams are actively monitoring susceptible areas.
Police vans equipped with loudspeakers have been traversing low-lying villages downstream, cautioning residents against entering the riverbed or approaching swollen banks. Additionally, 25 families from Parikshit Nagar were relocated to safer areas.
Authorities are urging citizens to remain alert, steer clear of riverfront zones, and adhere to official advisories as inflows persist. The administration is closely monitoring water levels and implementing all feasible measures to mitigate risks from the ongoing heavy discharge.