Pavijetpur’s Bharaaj River Diversion Fails After Heavy Rain

In the Chhota Udaipur district of Gujarat, the Bharaaj River diversion near Pavijetpur has failed. This diversion was built using public funds but has not served the community as intended. Initially, it cost ₹2.39 crore, and later, a double investment was made to create an all-weather diversion. Despite the officials’ oversight, the structure washed away during the first heavy rainfall. This has raised numerous questions in the minds of local residents about possible corruption among the officials involved.

Local people now face severe difficulties in transportation between Pavijetpur and Bodeli. They are eager to know when a functional diversion will finally be built for public use. Amid these concerns, a new bridge over the Bharaaj River has been approved for construction. It will cost ₹35 crore and aims to be completed in 18 months. The foundation stone for this bridge was laid by local MP Jashubhai Rathwa, who engaged with the community and addressed their grievances.

The need for a reliable bridge became critical after the previous one collapsed on July 28, 2023. Following this, the authorities attempted to create an all-weather diversion, which also succumbed to the recent heavy rains and flooding. The bridge’s failure has divided the Chhota Udaipur district, causing significant inconvenience for residents.

District Collector Gargi Jain visited the site of the diversion. She ordered the immediate closure of traffic on the diversion for safety until a structural report is completed. Jain emphasized that decisions on further action would be made after reviewing the report. For now, the diversion remains closed as a safety precaution.

As the community awaits the new bridge’s construction, local leaders are actively involved in the process. The MP and other representatives have assured that they will advocate for the interests of the people. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rural areas in Gujarat regarding infrastructure development and maintenance. The local government must ensure that future projects are reliable and beneficial to the residents. Residents hope that soon, they will have a safe and functional bridge to restore connectivity and improve their daily lives.