Riverfront River Openings Fail to Release Water into Sabarmati, Says Ellisbridge MLA Amit Shah

Questions have been raised over the functioning of river openings along the Sabarmati Riverfront after Ellisbridge MLA Amit Shah alleged that water was not flowing into the river through the designated openings despite water being present outside the interceptor system.

Shah said it had earlier been explained that when the water level in the Riverfront interceptor rises, excess water can overflow into the Sabarmati through the river openings.

Representation made at earlier coordination meeting

Shah said there are around 10 river openings between Ambedkar Bridge and Sardar Bridge. He had raised the issue during an earlier coordination meeting, pointing out that even when there was around 1–2 feet of water outside, water was not flowing into the Sabarmati through the openings.

He said no investigation was carried out despite the representation.

Mayor inspects Riverfront with city engineer

Today, Shah took a round of the eastern side of the Riverfront on foot along with the city engineer to inspect the issue.

According to Shah, water was not seen flowing through any of the river openings placed at intervals along the stretch.

After Shah informed the Mayor about the issue, the Mayor also joined the inspection along with the city engineer. Shah said both officials saw the situation and acknowledged that water was not flowing into the river through the openings.

MLA questions responsibility

Shah questioned whether elected representatives should have to physically identify and investigate such issues after they have already been raised through official channels.

He also questioned why the issue had not been investigated after his representation at the earlier coordination meeting.

Shah further asked whether his understanding of the Riverfront system was incorrect, and whether water is actually not designed to flow into the Sabarmati through these river openings.