Vadodara Faces Third Flood Crisis in Two Months: 20-Year High Water Levels with 2-3 Feet in Societies, Vishwamitri Stabilizes

Vadodara faces its third flood threat in two months as the water level of the Vishwamitri River is now just one foot below the danger mark. Currently, the river’s water level has risen to 25 feet, while the danger level is 26 feet. With the water level at Kala Ghoda Bridge reaching 25 feet, the flood threat has intensified once again, as the river level continues to rise steadily.

Water Level of Vishwamitri River Stabilizes

Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana stated that the water level of the Vishwamitri River has stabilized. Most of the water from upstream and rural areas has already flowed in, and rainfall in Vadodara and upstream has stopped. 

As a result, the water level of the Vishwamitri River is expected to decrease. Currently, the river stands at 25 feet, but residents in low-lying areas are still advised to remain cautious.

Ajwa Dam Water Level Rises to 213.26 Feet

The water level of Ajwa Dam has risen to 213.26 feet. The gates of both Ajwa and Pratapura dams remain closed. Water has entered low-lying areas such as Vadsar, Parshuram Bhattha, Jalaram Nagar, and Kamatiapura. Authorities are on high alert. Despite no rainfall in Vadodara since yesterday evening, the flood situation persists.

Four Disasters in Two Months: Three Floods and One Severe Wind Event

Between August 26, 2004, and August 26, 2024, Vadodara has experienced floods 20 times, with three occurring this time. On September 25, winds reached speeds of 110 km/h, resulting in the deaths of four people. 

In just two months, the city has faced a total of four disasters: three floods and one severe wind event accompanied by rainfall. Whenever the Vishwamitri River floods, the officials of Vadodara Corporation have presented projects to the government; however, the government has remained unresponsive.

No Water Release from Ajwa and Pratapura Dams

Authorities have announced that water will not be released from Ajwa Dam and Pratapura Reservoir. They have urged the public not to pay attention to rumors regarding water discharge.

Crocodile Sighting Under Lalbagh Bridge

Incidents of crocodiles basking on city roads have become increasingly common, especially during the monsoon season when the water levels of rivers and lakes rise. Vadodara has been experiencing rainy weather for the past three days, and in this context, another video of a crocodile lounging under Lalbagh Bridge has gone viral on social media.

Chief Fire Officer Assaults Firefighter Under the Influence

In Vadodara, as the city grapples with flood threats, the Chief Fire Officer of the Vadodara Fire and Emergency Department, Parth Brahmbhatt, has landed in controversy once again. A complaint has been filed stating that the Chief Fire Officer, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, assaulted a GIDC firefighter. 

The firefighter reported in the police complaint that the officer was intoxicated during the incident. The firefighter has expressed his intent to quit his job and return to farming in his village.

Employee Admitted to Sayaji Hospital Following Assault

It has come to light that Amarsinh Thakor, a member of the GIDC fire department, was assaulted by Chief Fire Officer Parth Brahmbhatt. 

During a meeting called to assess the flood situation in low-lying areas of the city, Brahmbhatt allegedly verbally abused and physically attacked the employee while under the influence of alcohol. As a result, the injured employee has been admitted to Sayaji Hospital for treatment.

Water Inundation Begins in Low-Lying Homes

Waterlogging has begun on the road from Vadodara to Koteshwar, affecting several societies, including Koteshwar village, Kansa Residency, and Samruddhi Tenament. Residents have reported that they are cut off from contact, and employees working on the bullet train project and in private companies have been unable to return home from night shifts. 

Locals expressed concern, stating, “Our children are scared at home, and we cannot safely return. We are worried about our kids.” The water level of the Vishwamitri River continues to rise slowly. In the first residency on the Vaghodia-Dabhoyi Ring Road, water has inundated the area, causing distress among residents. 

Additionally, low-lying homes in Jalaram Nagar-1 in the Karelibaug area of the city have started experiencing waterlogging. Similar inundations occurred during floods on July 24 and August 26.

Waterlogging in Slum Areas of Parshuram Bhattha

Water has flooded the slum areas in the Parshuram Bhattha region, submerging the nearby Garnaal as well. This situation has led to the suspension of vehicular traffic in the area.

Residents Park Vehicles on Bridge to Avoid Flood Damage

Cars have been parked on both sides of the Sama Savli Bridge in Vadodara as residents panic over the re-emergence of flood conditions in the city. In an effort to protect their vehicles, people have taken to parking them on the bridge. 

It is noteworthy that during last month’s floods, many vehicles were also parked on this bridge, yet several were submerged and damaged by the rising waters.

All Schools in Vadodara Closed Today Due to Rain

After four days of continuous rainfall in Vadodara, concerns have risen again among residents. The water level at the Vishwamitri Kala Ghoda Bridge has been consistently increasing, while the Ajwa Reservoir is also receiving substantial inflow. 

With the persistent rain, the possibility of another flood crisis looms. As a precautionary measure, all schools in Vadodara have announced a holiday today.

Numerous Villages Cut Off Due to Heavy Rainfall

Following heavy rainfall across the district, many villages have been submerged, leading to several areas becoming isolated. In Vaghdodia taluka, the village of Ropa has been entirely inundated, putting its residents in distress. The primary school in the village is filled with water up to the knees. 

The relentless rain has wreaked havoc in various villages within Vaghdodia taluka. Many remote villages in the district have turned into flooded zones, leaving them cut off from one another. As a result, residents in these areas, including Ropa village, have faced difficulties due to disrupted electricity supply, making it challenging to spend the night.

Villagers in Distress as Ropa Faces Severe Flooding

As soon as one enters Ropa village, they are met with chest-deep water, making it extremely difficult for residents to leave the area. Villagers have been unable to go to work due to the inundation, and the entire village is now cut off as water surrounds it. The heavy rainfall has also caused widespread damage to agriculture. 

The primary school in the village is filled with water up to the knees, making it unlikely for classes to resume in the next couple of days. Additionally, household items belonging to families on the outskirts of the village have been destroyed by the flooding, further complicating their situation. The severe weather has left the villagers in dire straits.