Vadodara: In an excellent news for flood-hit people of Vadodara, the level of water in Vishwamitri river has started reducing. The level at 12.00 midnight came down by half ft. As per the official online record, it was 34.50 ft at 12 midnight, down from 35.25 ft. According to VMC Mayor and Standing Committee Chairman, the level has effectivelyc ome down to 34 ft and the situation is expected to be normalized in next 24 hours.

Shital Mistry, Standing Commitee Chairman of VMC said the teams from Surat and Ahmedabad are arriving for post-flood cleaning drive tomorrow.

The level of water remained steady at 35.25 ft mark for over 24 hours, but in a good news, the level has for the first time in the day started decreasing. The reduction in the water level of Vishwamitri is thanks to the closure of gates of Ajwa and Pratan Sarovar dams, reduced rainfall in Vadodara, Panchmahal and entire catchment areas including the catchment areas of Dhadhar river. As per the rules 212 ft level has to be maintained at Ajwa and surplus water needs to be discharged. However breaching the rules, the government has decided to maintain the level at 214.75 ft at Ajwa dam for now as a temporary measure by closing all 62 gates. The release from Ajwa will be mandatory if the level goes up at 214.85 ft. However due to lack of rains in Central Gujarat including Panchmahal, Ajwa level is steady at 214.75 through last 24 hours.

The water level of Vishwamitri has to go down below 31 ft for flood water to go from most of the roads and areas. The flood water has to go down to around 30 ft level for reopening of 7 bridges in the city. The flood water below 30 ft will normalize the routine life in Vadodara. Below 29 ft it will make a way for reopening of Kala Ghoda bridge. The danger level of Vishwamitri river is 26 ft which is measured at Kala Ghoda bridge. DeshGujarat