Yamuna-like froth seen in Botad river, triggers pollution concerns

Residents of Barvala village in Botad were puzzled on Monday after thick white foam, similar to that seen in the Yamuna River in Delhi, was found on the surface of the Utavali River near the Narankund causeway.

As per reports, the foam formation was seen after rain in the upper catchment on Monday, with villagers suspecting flow of sewage water into the river.

Meanwhile, the Salangpur Gram Panchayat has alerted the mamlatdar (revenue officer) and expressed suspicion of chemical contamination in the river water. However, officials noted that there are no chemical factories in Botad, leaving the administration puzzled about the possible source of contamination. The foam reportedly lasted only for a few hours.

Upon receiving information, officials from the Botad District Administration and the Prant Office visited the site for inspection. Since the river water flows from Salangpur into the Khambhada dam — used for irrigation and other purposes — concerns have been raised about potential chemical pollution. Local farmers and the Gram Panchayat have demanded an impartial investigation.

Moreover, since the famous BAPS temple and a gurukul are located on the banks of the Utavali river, there are concerns that both humans and animals could be at health risk. Locals also reported that the foam emitted a strong sewage-like odour. Officials noted that if tests confirm chemical presence, it will be crucial to trace the source and identify who might have discharged it.

GPCB team from Ahmedabad to collect water samples 

According to Botad’s Prant Officer, this is the first time such large-scale foam formation has been observed in the Utavali river. A team from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) sub-office in Sanand (Ahmedabad) is scheduled to visit on October 29 to collect water samples for laboratory testing. The report is expected to reveal the truth about the incident.

However, locals have raised concerns that much of the foamy water may already have passed downstream  with the flow, potentially affecting the accuracy of the test results.

No GPCB sub-office, even after 13 years

In September 2012, during the Swami Vivekananda Yatra, then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi had announced Botad as a separate district. Yet, even after 13 years, the (GPCB) has not set up a regional office in Botad to monitor air and water pollution. The absence of such an office has become glaringly evident in light of this latest river foam incident.