Vishwamitri level might increase as water released from Ajwa dam

Administration on alert issues advisory to people

The level of Vishwamitri river flowing through the center of Vadodara city has dropped to 18.50 feet. However, on the other hand the level of Ajwa dam is constantly rising and has increased from 212 to 212.30 feet.

As a result the administration decides to release 3150 cusecs of water from the dam and the level of Vishwamitri river is likely to rise by one to one and a half feet by 3 pm.

The administration is again on alert following the possibility of Vishwamitri’s level rising due to the water is being released into the river to maintain the levels of Ajwa and Pratappura lakes.

Chief Fire Officer Parth Brahmbhatt said, the gates of Ajwa dam have been set at 212-foot on August 15 as part of plans to maintain the levels of Ajwa and Pratappura lakes. As a result, 0.30 foot of excess water is being discharged into Vishwamitri river. Similarly, 1.5 foot of water is being released into the Vishwamitri river to maintain the level of Pratap Sarovar at 222 foot. So as a result the Vishwamitri river level is likely to rise by one to one and a half feet by 3 p.m on Monday.

Although people do not need to panic but have to be careful. People living on the banks of the Vishwamitri River and shifted at relief camps are advised to stay at the camps till the situation get normal.

At present the level of Pratappura lake is 223.50 foot, which is to be maintained at 222 feet, after which the discharge of water will be stopped. Similarly the level of Ajwa Dam will be maintained at 212 feet.

In case of heavy rains the water of Ajwa Dam and Pratap Sarovar may be released. If there is no rain, the possible flood crisis of Vishwamitri will be averted. He further said that at 10 pm on August 14, the level of Pratappura was 226.20 foot and at present it is 223.50 feet. It is planned to maintain the level at 222 foot.

The Vishwamitri river level rose to 23.75 feet as part of the planning at 4 am on August 16, however on the night of August 15, the gates of Ajwa Dam were set at 212 feet and the level was gradually reduced. Now the level of the river is likely to rise again as the water level at the dam rises again. VMC is releasing the water to maintain the level