Gujarat Launches 100-Day Initiative to Curb Flooding in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation has launched a 100-day project to excavate a buffer pond aimed at preventing flooding in the Vishwamitri River. This initiative is expected to enhance water management in the region, providing a vital resource while minimizing flood risks.
Key Takeaways
- Initiative lasts for 100 days
- Buffer pond capacity of 25 crore litres
- Excavation depth of 5.5 to 8 meters
- Linked with other lakes for improved storage
- Historical data indicates frequent flooding
Vadodara, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) in Gujarat has taken action to mitigate flooding in the Vishwamitri River.
An official confirmed that excavation for a buffer pond has begun at Dena, where the Vishwamitri and Surya rivers meet.
This project is projected to last for the next 100 days. Officials anticipate that the pond will not only help in flood control but also act as an essential water resource.
Shital Mistri, the Chairman of the VMC Standing Committee, revealed that the municipality had secured land adjacent to the Surya River in Dena back in 1970 for brick manufacturing. Out of the total seven hectares owned by the corporation, five hectares have been earmarked for the excavation of the buffer pond, which has been entrusted to a contractor.
The pond will be excavated to a depth of 5.5 to 8 meters to facilitate water flow from the Surya River, thereby forming a buffer lake along its banks.
This reservoir could potentially serve as a drinking water source in the future. Moreover, as part of a broader strategy, this pond will be linked with other lakes to boost water storage and reduce flooding in the Vishwamitri River.
Authorities project that the buffer pond will have a storage capacity of 25 crore litres of water. Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana stated that the buffer lake is set to be developed on municipal land near the junction of the Vishwamitri and Surya rivers.
The project involves the excavation of approximately two lakh cubic meters of soil, with an expected completion timeline of two and a half to three months. This pond is anticipated to be vital in managing river flooding while also serving as a sustainable water supply for the city.
Recently, the 2024 floods in late August were among the most severe witnessed by the state in recent years. An unusual atmospheric event, marked by a deep land depression, led to unprecedented rainfall across diverse districts, including Vadodara, Jamnagar, Dwarka, Rajkot, Morbi, and Bhuj.
The Vishwamitri River in Vadodara overflowed, resulting in widespread urban flooding. By early September 2024, Gujarat had recorded 118 percent of its seasonal monsoon rainfall, displacing over 20,000 individuals and causing significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural land.
Navsari district experienced the highest rainfall in August 2024 at 356 mm, followed by Dangs (290 mm) and Vadodara (270 mm). The state faced extensive flooding, disrupting daily life and prompting authorities to implement emergency protocols.
Historical flood data indicates that Gujarat averages four major flood events per decade, underscoring the critical need for enhanced flood management and mitigation measures to safeguard lives and property.
