5-member committee to probe Vadodara flood, recommend preventive measures

Vadodara: The Gujarat government has formed a five-member committee to conduct an in-depth field analysis of the causes behind the flooding in Vadodara city. The committee has also been tasked with recommending measures to reduce the risk of future floods in the region.

The committee will be led by B N Navalawala, a former advisor to the chief minister and former secretary in the Government of India. Other members include S S Rathore, advisor to the chief minister; M N Rai, engineer from the Central Water Commission (CWC); Prof. Gopal Bhatti from Maharaja Sayajirao University’s civil engineering department; and the municipal commissioner of Vadodara.

Their mandate includes a detailed study of the Ajwa reservoir, Pratappura Sarovar, and Vishwamitri River, along with their catchment areas. These water bodies are crucial, with the Ajwa reservoir and Pratappura Sarovar providing potable water to the city, and the Vishwamitri River flowing through Vadodara. A senior official explained that the committee will assess the water-carrying capacity of these bodies, conduct site inspections, and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations.

Recent heavy rains caused the Vishwamitri River to overflow, leading to severe flooding in many parts of Vadodara and resulting in extensive property damage. DeshGujarat