Houses, boundary walls undermined by flood erosion

Vadodara: For some housing societies on the banks of the Vishwamitri, the water might have receded but has left behind a much bigger fear — the land under them being eroded. Embankments of the river bordering these societies have been washed away, and residents fear further damage to their homes. Serious erosion has come to light near two prominent societies along the river — Samrajya in Mujmahuda and Siddharth Bungalows near Amitnagar Circle — as well as houses in Yavateshwar Compound. These residents are now looking to the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) for help. Residents of privately-owned houses in Doctors Quarters in Yavateshwar Compound and Samrajya asked VMC officials and Akota MLA Chaitanya Desai to visit the site. The condition of one house in Yavateshwar Compound is particularly grim, as erosion has reached very close, and the house needed to be vacated. "Erosion has taken place under the house behind mine. Trees near that house have also been uprooted by erosion," said Prakash Gavare. At Samrajya, a retaining wall had been built alongside the society facing the river, to check erosion. During the recent flood, it got damaged and erosion took place. Residents have told officials about the development and sought assistance. The society has its garden towards the place where the land has been eroded. A resident of Siddharth Bungalows said that erosion due to the flood has damaged their society compound wall at two or three places. The wall offered protection against not just flooding but the crocodiles seen in the area. "There is no clarity on repairs to the wall," said the resident, adding that there is a similar situation in Surabhi Vatika, which is in the same area along the riverbank. MSID:: 113133309 413 |