Dried Khari river awaits revival from govt after five years of abandonment
Updated: Feb 10th, 2024
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| Khari River (img: File) |
In response to a query raised in the Gujarat state assembly related to reviving North Gujarat’s Khari river, the state’s water resources and water supply minister, Kunvarji Bavaliya, stated that the government currently has not utilised any funds allocated for it.
It is noteworthy that its mention was in this year’s annual state budget, but there has been no clarification on the timeline for Khari’s revival.
This river is known for overflowing during heavy rains but dries up relatively earlier after the monsoon.
In 2018, under the ‘Jal Sanchay Abhiyan’ of the ‘Sujalam Sufalam’ scheme, efforts were underway to revive the river.
A total of 188 works worth ₹2.25 cr on a stretch of 9.5 km were planned and inaugurated.
Nine villages under the Dehgam taluka saw an overhaul, where several works, including 21 at check dams, 79 of stone pitching, 79 at muddy drains, and other afforestation works, were to be carried out.
But these works remain incomplete to date.
After five years, another revamp plan for the river has been taken up in this year’s budget at a cost of ₹9.54 cr.
