In Gujarat, the recent heavy rains have caused many water bodies to overflow. The Sant Sarovar Dam, located on the Sabarmati River, has reached full capacity today, prompting the release of water through its 11 gates. This has increased the flow in the river significantly.
Authorities have issued alerts for low-lying villages and urban areas. Residents are strongly advised to stay away from the riverbanks and remain in safe zones. The monsoon this year has started strong, especially in the upstream regions like Madhya Pradesh and parts of North Gujarat, where heavy rainfall has been reported for the last five days.
According to data from the Water Resources Department, the dam has received approximately 18,000 cubic feet of water in the last 24 hours. This has raised the dam’s water level to 138.68 meters, exceeding its designed capacity.
Similar situations have occurred in the past. In 2021, the dam was 98% full, and about three gates were opened to release water. In 2017, due to less rainfall, the dam did not fill beyond 60%. In July 2019, the dam also reached overflow levels.
As water is released into the Sabarmati River, areas in Ahmedabad such as Vastrapur, Ellisbridge, Dholka, Vatva, Juhapura, and Isanpur have been put on high alert. Local municipalities, police, and fire departments are closely monitoring the situation.
Residents have been instructed to avoid carrying valuables or vehicles near the river, and parents are urged to keep children away from the riverbanks. In case of any danger, they should contact local authorities immediately. The Municipal Commissioner stated, “Public safety is our top priority. The situation is under control, but if more rain falls, we may have to increase the water release.”
The Sant Sarovar Dam was built to collect and store water, creating an artificial lake and helping to raise groundwater levels in surrounding areas. Every year, the dam overflows due to consistent water inflow during the monsoon. This year’s heavy rains have again filled the dam and increased the flow into the Sabarmati River, with water from the Lakrodha Dam also contributing to the rising levels.
Residents are encouraged to cooperate with the administration and stay safe during this rainy season. The government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens as the monsoon continues to bring significant rainfall across the state.
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