Vadodara: 48 hours after it touched the danger mark of 26 ft, the Vishwamitri River’s water level has come down from 26 ft at 5 am today, providing great relief to the citizens. The level had touched the 29.40 ft mark once during this period. However, due to the decision to maintain the level at Ajwa Dam at 212.50 ft instead of 211 ft, the level has now fallen below the 26 ft danger mark. The lack of heavy rain during this period also helped in reducing the level. The situation in the Dhadhar River has also eased, and therefore Vishwamitri waters are quickly moving beyond Vadodara.

Does danger still loom over Vadodara? Yes, if there is very heavy rain again in the catchment areas of Ajwa Dam, it could lead to a fresh inflow and eventually reach the danger mark of 214 ft, making the release of water downstream in the Vishwamitri River inevitable. In such a case, the carrying capacity of the Dhadhar River will also be crucial, and the sea’s condition will be important as well. If there is a full moon night and high tide at that time, the sea may not easily accommodate the river’s water.

The administration has decided to maintain the levels at Ajwa, Pratappura Reservoir, and Vishwamitri at levels that can prevent flooding in Vadodara for now. The state government has reportedly allowed local coordination and decision-making in this regard. The city experienced floods in 2014 and 2019 when the Vishwamitri River level rose to 34 ft. DeshGujarat