Bhopal: The Kaliyasot River in Bhopal is set for a major transformation, with development plans modeled on Gujarat’s iconic Sabarmati riverfront. The Municipal Corporation has issued a tender for the first phase of the project, costing ₹31 crore, aiming to make the 36-kilometer-long river perennial and visually appealing.

Under the project, three stop dams will be constructed in the river’s catchment area, ensuring continuous water flow throughout the year. The Water Resources Department will build these stop dams near the Sarvadharma Bridge, the JK Hospital Bridge, and the Danish Kunj Bridge. A fourth stop dam is proposed beyond the Salaiya Bridge, as the current bridge will be submerged, necessitating its replacement. Together, these dams will store up to 3 million cubic meters of water, ensuring year-round flow.

Riverfront and Ghats Development

In addition to water management, several ghats will be constructed along the river, and the 23-kilometer river stretch from Bhadbhada and Chandanpura to the Samardha Mandideep Bridge will be developed following the Sabarmati riverfront model. Municipal Corporation officials plan to remove over 100 illegal permanent structures within a 33-meter buffer zone and address more than 700 encroachments along the riverbanks to create a clean, accessible riverfront. The riverfront development aims to control pollution, improve water quality, and provide recreational spaces for residents.

Timeline and Implementation

The first phase of this ambitious project is expected to be completed within two years. Funds will also be sought from other government departments to support comprehensive development, which includes demolition of concrete structures, landscaping, and construction of ghats and pedestrian areas.

With these initiatives, Bhopal is set to get a perennial, clean, and beautifully landscaped Kaliyasot River, turning it into a major urban attraction modeled on the Sabarmati riverfront in Gujarat. DeshGujarat