Experts express concern over state of Vishwamitri river

Vadodara: Speakers including member of the royal Gaekwad family Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, advisor to the chief minister on water B N Navalawala and others expressed concern over the state of affairs related to Vishwamitri river and other issues concerning the city while speaking at a symposium on ‘Reimagining Vadodara’ organized by Team Vadodara, a collective of lawmakers and stakeholders in the city’s development. Speaking on the occasion Gaekwad said that there was lots to do for reimagining Vadodara. “Where to start or where not,” she said adding that Vishwamitri rejuvenation was a major issue that needed attention. She said that several organisations had been discussing the rejuvenation and the residents of the city were also keen on it. Gaekwad said that the rejuvenation has to be holistic including wetlands and waterbodies. “Some vigilance body has to be formed to look into dumping of garbage, pollution and encroachments in the river,” she said. The royal family member rued the fact that earlier whatever was best was brought to the city, but now the city has accepted mediocrity. “We need to bring things that last in the future,” she said. She also took a dig on the quality of sculptures being put up at crossroads in the city. Navalawala said that it was the primary responsibility of the citizens to ensure that Vishwamitri remained clean. “Vadodarariyas (Barodians) have been found wanting on this front and have been insensitive to the river,” he said adding that public participation was inevitable for the project. He added that the project was discussed since 2011.
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