19 New Check Dams, Ecological Park Proposed Along Vishwamitri River
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Vishwamitri committee under Gujarat State Human Rights Commission has recommended the building of ecological park, camping zone, urban farming, and entertainment related activities on the banks Vishwamitri and Dhadhar rivers.
The committee has recommended preparing an eco-regional plan covering not only Vadodara city but also the entire areas along river banks.
It suggested allowing only ecological parks, camping zones, urban farming and recreational activities in flood-prone areas while restricting permanent construction.
The report also recommended preparing updated land maps based on the changing natural flow of rivers and providing affected private landowners compensation through TDR or tax relief.
To prevent frequent floods in the Vishwamitri River, a plan to construct 19 new check dams was also proposed.
The committee raised concerns over declining groundwater levels and increasing salinity, recommending a ban on new borewells in Vadodara and surrounding areas along with the gradual closure of existing ones.
It also highlighted the impact of construction and demolition waste dumped along the Vishwamitri riverbanks, stating that it is affecting the river’s water-carrying capacity during monsoons.
The committee criticised Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s response and warned that authorities would be responsible for damages if future flooding occurs due to negligence.
