Vadodara: As part of its flood prevention measures to avoid a repeat of last monsoon’s devastating floods in the Vishwamitri River, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is undertaking several projects under the Vishwamitri initiative. One such project involves deepening both Ajwa and Pratappura lakes simultaneously to increase their combined capacity by around 200 cusecs. This project will be launched on Tuesday as a “100-day mega campaign.”

The 20-km-long Vishwamitri River, which flows through Vadodara, receives water every monsoon. However, its storage capacity has declined over time due to sediment accumulation. Last monsoon, the river saw an inflow of 1,500 cusecs, far exceeding its 700-cusec capacity. The resulting floods affected riverbank areas and extended up to three to four kilometers inland, causing damage worth crores of rupees. To mitigate future risks, VMC plans to deepen both lakes, allowing them to hold excess water and prevent overflow into the Vishwamitri.

On Saturday, Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana held discussions with seven agencies assigned to the project. The meeting focused on excavation plans, including the depth of digging and the amount of soil to be removed, ensuring all agencies remain committed to completing the project efficiently.

Starting Tuesday, excavation work will begin at both Ajwa and Pratappura lakes. Ajwa will be deepened by 2 meters, while Pratappura will be deepened by 6 to 8 meters. Approximately 50 lakh cubic meters of soil—25 lakh cubic meters from each lake—will be excavated. This will enhance the water storage capacity of both lakes by approximately 250 crore liters (200 cusecs).

The campaign will run for 100 days, with seven agencies working simultaneously using advanced machinery, including JCBs. DeshGujarat