Vadodara: As the city is ravaged by floods for two days now, two ministers of the Gujarat government are in Vadodara to take stock of the rescue, relief, and situation in the city. Cabinet Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma both rushed to Vadodara today.

After carrying out a review meeting at the Vadodara Command and Control Centre with district officials, both ministers took stock of flood-affected areas by sitting atop a truck of Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).

Addressing the media about the situation, Gujarat spokesperson Minister Rushikesh Patel said, “With the rise in the water level of the Vishwamitri River passing through Vadodara, the situation has become tense on both banks of the river. Areas on both sides of the river are submerged under 10 to 12 feet of water. We have rehabilitated more than 5,000 people today, and over 12,000 people have been rescued. Currently, one NDRF team, one SDRF team, and one Army column are working on the ground, and three new Army columns along with one NDRF and one SDRF team have also been allocated. For those trapped in flooded areas, we have arranged all the facilities to provide them with food and medicines.”

“As of now, the water level of the Ajwa Dam is 213.8 feet, and the Paratapura Dam is at 231 feet, with the rule level of Ajwa being 212 feet. Water has been released from the dam, but to prevent further flooding in the city, we have closed the gates of the dam. The Vishwamitri River, which is currently at 37 feet, is overflowing well above the danger mark. In some areas, the water is around 10-12 feet deep, and in others, it is about 5-6 feet. Although the situation is tense, the district administration and government are focused on Vadodara,” he added.

“We have distributed around 38,000 food packets, and today, 100,000 food packets have been prepared for distribution in the coming time. The water flow has stopped in the catchment area of Ajwa, and the Vishwamitri level is also gradually decreasing, so we hope that in the next 12-15 hours, the water will recede. However, in case of further rain, the administration will work to provide food, water, and other services to people who are stuck in their homes,” said Patel.

Patel also stated that as a long-term measure, the state government is exploring a proposal to divert floodwaters into the Narmada canal instead of releasing them into the Vishwamitri River.

The Vishwamitri River, flowing through the city, exceeded its danger level of 26 feet early Tuesday morning due to heavy rainfall and water discharge from the Ajwa Dam. DeshGujarat

#WATCH | Gujarat: Rushikesh Patel, State Health Minister took stock of the flood-affected areas in Vadodara. pic.twitter.com/ydtW9aUX0f

— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024