Surat: Due to continuous rainfall in the upstream areas, the weir-cum-causeway connecting Rander and Katargam has overflowed for the first time this monsoon season following a rise in the Tapi river’s water level. The causeway begins to overflow at 6.0 metres, and due to heavy rain, the water level crossed that mark at around 10 pm on Friday. The administration immediately closed it to vehicular traffic as a safety precaution.

According to officials, precautionary measures were initiated when the water level reached 5.80 metres. With the continuous inflow of water from the upstream regions, water was flowing over the causeway at 6.84 metres as of 12 noon on Saturday. With a discharge of more than 52,000 cusecs, the causeway has been completely closed to prevent any untoward incidents.

As the causeway is the shortest route connecting Rander and Katargam-Wed Road, thousands of motorists use it every day. Following its closure, commuters will now have to travel via Chowk Bazaar or the Cable-Stayed Bridge, resulting in an additional detour of around 7 to 8 kilometres. Traffic congestion on these alternative routes is likely to increase during peak hours.

The Flood Control Department of the Surat Municipal Corporation has barricaded both ends of the causeway and closed the road. The administration has appealed to people not to visit the causeway or the riverbank and to avoid taking risks for selfies. Police personnel have been deployed at the site, while the corporation’s hydraulic department is continuously monitoring the Tapi River, which is currently flowing bank to bank. Officials said the water level is expected to recede once rainfall in the upper catchment areas decreases.

Meanwhile, in a sign of relief, there has been no significant inflow into the Ukai Dam, the state’s second-largest dam, which could have otherwise led to a further rise in the water level of the Tapi River. DeshGujarat