Flood-like situation in Vadodara, Vishwamitri river in spate

Over two lakh people in the city are facing a flood-like situation as the Vishwamitri river here has swelled due to incessant rains in catchment areas and inundated residential colonies in its vicinity.

"Over two lakh people are affected due to river water inundating the residential areas mostly in western parts of the city," Vadodara Municipal Corporation's standing committee chairman Hitendra Patel said.

"The worst affected areas of the city are Panigate, Karlibaugh, Mandvi, Sayajiganj and Munjhmahuda where water has entered residential areas," he said.

The administration had yesterday shifted 1,500 people from these areas and today 200 more were taken to safer places.

Water also entered the city's Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad hospital, which is located near the river, and the zoo, forcing authorities to shift some animals from there.

All the three bridges on Vishwamitri river have been closed. The administration has ordered closure of schools and colleges.

Water level in the Vishwamitri river is presently at 33.5 feet, way above the danger level of 26 feet. The catchment areas of the river and the Ajwa dam on it received incessant rains yesterday due to which water was released in the river.

"VMC has stopped releasing of water from Ajwa dam located on the outskirt of the city since 0530 hours today. It was done after Vishwamitri river passing through middle of the city was flowing 7.6 ft above the danger level of 26 ft," Municipal Commissioner Manish Bhardwaj said.

"The water level in the river will start going down as the release from Ajwa dam has been stopped," Bhardwaj told PTI today.