Only fraction of flood mitigation work done

Vadodara: The dredging of the Vishwamitri river to resection it is widely perceived as a major step towards flood mitigation in the city, but the work is far from complete. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is now planning major interventions, including the removal of debris from the riverbanks.Soon after the Navalawala committee, formed by the state govt to study flooding in the city, submitted its recommendations, VMC began work on short-term measures for immediate relief. However, long-term solutions suggested by the committee remain in the pipeline. The issue of silt and construction debris deposited along the riverbanks has sparked debate, with a committee appointed by the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) expressing concern during a recent meeting. The committee's latest report has again flagged the presence of debris along the river. A survey ordered by VMC identified 13 locations across the city where construction and demolition waste had been dumped along the riverbanks. Committee members noted that little progress had been made in clearing this waste. Sources said that barring a couple of locations where construction debris was removed, most sites remained untouched. VMC has directed its solid waste department to handle the removal of construction and demolition waste. While the process is expected to involve significant costs, officials said efforts are underway to ensure the waste is cleared. A source pointed out that in several places the debris has been covered with soil over the years. "It seems as if the place is land, but one will find debris on digging a bit," the source said. Apart from clearing debris and municipal waste, VMC is now looking to focus on long-term interventions. "We are looking to take up work on gabion walls to prevent erosion at some places and installing sensors alerting us about the level of water in the river," said VMC commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu. VMC is also preparing a Vishwamitri riverfront plan with a focus on facilities for senior citizens, crocodile observation points and walking and cycling tracks. Sources said the work will have to be carried out in an environment-friendly manner in line with National Green Tribunal directives. WHAT'S DONE, WHAT'S PENDING BOX 1: Debris Presence Motnath Bridge, Sama Anandnagar Society, Sama Navinagari, Sama Near Siddharth Bungalows Behind Aghora City Center, Mangal Pandey Road Near VUDA office, VUDA Circle Narhari Bridge Kalaghoda Bridge Bhimnath Bridge Behind Akota Crematorium Mujmahuda Bridge Atladara–Manjalpur Bridge Vadsar Bridge BOX 2: Resectioning Details River length in the city: 24.7km River length outside the city: 25km Volume of soil excavated: 18.85 lakh cubic metres Work started on: March 12, 2025 Work completion date: June 15, 2025 250 earthmovers, excavators and other machinery used 50 VMC officials deployed to oversee work BOX 3: Upstream diversion planned The Vadodara Municipal Corporation and the state govt are planning a major project to divert excess water from the Vishwamitri river to the Mini river, which flows into the Mahi. The plan involves constructing a canal to connect the two rivers. During extreme rainfall and high water levels in the Vishwamitri, excess water will be released into the canal to prevent flooding in the city. The project includes deepening and widening an existing 14km channel between the two rivers. PHOTO QUOTES Aaryan Goel, student living in Siddharthnagar Ours and other localities are prone to flooding. They need to find a permanent solution to this situation. VMC must also ensure consistency and continuity in flood-prevention plans. It should not be a case of taking up work after floods and then forgetting it in the long run. VMC commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu Work done so far is only a part of the short-term plans. Long-term major works will now be taken up for the river. A detailed project report is also being prepared for the Vishwamitri riverfront development and will be discussed with the state govt. The proposal to divert Vishwamitri water to the Mini river is also under discussion.