Three Low-Level Causeways Cut Off Valsad's Dharampur's Kelavani Village Every Monsoon

Residents of Kelavani village in Dharampur taluka of Valsad District have been facing the same monsoon ordeal for years, with three low-level causeways over the Lavari River regularly submerging during heavy rain and cutting off the village from Dharampur.

The three causeways — two within Kelavani village and one connecting it through Chichozar village — are located within a stretch of around 500 metres. As the river level rises, all three are flooded, leaving residents stranded for two to three days at a time.

Students, Workers Face Travel Disruptions

With no alternative route available because of the surrounding hilly terrain, students travelling to schools and colleges, employees commuting to Dharampur and people running small businesses are forced to remain in the village when the causeways are closed.

The situation becomes particularly serious during medical emergencies, as patients cannot be transported easily to hospitals when the only access route is submerged.

The recent spell of heavy rain and flooding in Dharampur once again left all three causeways underwater, bringing traffic to a halt for several days.

Villagers Demand High-Level Bridge

Residents and local representatives said they have repeatedly submitted applications seeking construction of a high-level bridge over the Lavari River, but claimed no permanent solution has been implemented.

The situation has also worsened this year, with the iron railing along one of the causeways reportedly damaged during heavy rainfall.

Villagers have urged the authorities to replace the low-level causeways with a permanent high-level bridge that remains operational during the monsoon.

They said such an infrastructure project is essential to prevent the village from being cut off every year and to ensure uninterrupted access to education, employment, healthcare and other essential services.