Revitalizing Ahmedabad’s Water Catchments: VMC Embarks on Deepening of Ajwa and Pratappura Reservoirs, Ensuring Sustainable City Life

As the monsoon season approaches, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched a vital initiative to mitigate flood risks by dredging and deepening two vital water reservoirs: Ajwa and Pratappura. This ambitious project aims to increase the carrying capacity of the Vishwamitri river, which has been a chronic problem in the city, causing widespread flooding and damage to property.

According to Standing Committee chairman Dr. Sheetal Mistry, the project involves deepening an area of 10 lakh square meters at Ajwa and 3 lakh square meters at Pratappura, at a depth of 1.5-2 meters. This will lead to an increase in storage capacity by 2 million cubic meters (MCM) and 1.5 MCM, respectively. The project is designed to prevent excess rainwater from flowing at high speed into the Vishwamitri river, reducing the risk of flooding in Vadodara.

The VMC has collaborated with 11 companies, which are undertaking the project as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Notably, the state government has granted permission to dispose of the excavated earth without royalty, a significant boon that will save the VMC a whopping Rs 30-50 crore in tenders. “If this project were to be undertaken under the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, it would have cost the VMC a hefty amount,” Mistry pointed out.

The project is expected to be completed within 100 days, a testament to the proactive measures being taken by the VMC to ensure the city’s preparedness for the monsoons. The initiative will not only reduce the risk of flooding but also provide additional storage for drinking water, making it a win-win situation for the city’s residents. As the VMC commissioner, Dilip Rana, and other officials from the civic body join forces with the companies, the project is set to make a significant impact on the city’s infrastructure and residents’ quality of life.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-vmc-begins-deepening-work-of-ajwa-and-pratappura-reservoirs-9869092/
Category : Ahmedabad,Cities
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Publish Date: 2025-03-05 04:33:00