Flood Alert: Vadodara Initiates Swift River Deepening Initiative
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Synopsis
The Gujarat government has launched a significant initiative under the Vishwamitri River Project to enhance the river's flow capacity and manage urban water bodies effectively, aiming for a 40% capacity increase within 100 days.
Key Takeaways
- Vadodara is implementing a major river project.
- The initiative aims to boost river flow capacity by 40%.
- Over 526 machines are involved in the project.
- Efforts include clearing forest land and enhancing lakes.
- The project emphasizes environmental restoration and flood control.
Vadodara, April 6 (NationPress) The Gujarat government has launched an extensive initiative under the Vishwamitri River Project, which aims to boost the river’s flow capacity and manage urban water bodies more efficiently.
An official mentioned that the project, now in full operation, intends to enhance the Vishwamitri River’s water-carrying capacity by 40 percent within a target timeframe of 100 days.
Last year, Vadodara experienced significant flooding that led to widespread destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of many residents.
To prevent a recurrence of such calamity, the government has expedited the river revitalization efforts, which include deepening and widening the Vishwamitri River, as well as connecting various water bodies like Ajwa Salav, Pratappura Sarovar, Dena Lake, and several city canals.
The official stated that to carry out the project rapidly, a total of 526 machines have been deployed across various sites.
Currently, 9.98 lakh cubic meters of soil and sludge have been excavated from the riverbed and surrounding areas.
“Additionally, around 68 hectares of forest land have been cleared to promote better water flow. This initiative represents one of the most comprehensive flood prevention efforts the city has ever undertaken. We are striving to meet the monsoon deadline,” explained a senior project engineer.
Furthermore, alongside river enhancement, initiatives are also being undertaken to clean and restore ten essential lakes within the city.
“Work has been finalized in two of these lakes, while progress is ongoing in two others. In total, 474 deep rainwater recharge wells are part of the plan, out of which 25 have already been completed,” he added.
He further stated that these wells are expected to boost groundwater recharge and diminish surface runoff during heavy rainfall.
“The project also integrates a robust waste management aspect. During the cleaning and excavation efforts, 500 metric tons of plastic waste have been collected and sent to the Atladara processing plant for recycling,” he noted.
The senior project engineer also mentioned that 11,000 metric tons of gravel recovered during the operation have been crushed and stored at the Atladara facility for potential reuse in infrastructure projects.
Officials emphasize that the Vishwamitri River Project is not solely focused on flood control; it is also a crucial step toward urban environmental restoration and climate resilience.
“With Vadodara’s expanding population and increasingly erratic weather conditions, the city’s natural drainage systems and water bodies need urgent and continuous attention,” they stated.
