
Vishwamitri cleared for monsoon flow amid bullet train work
Vadodara: With the monsoon approaching, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) has begun removing temporary obstructions from the Vishwamitri river to ensure unimpeded water flow in areas affected by the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train project.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and a Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC)-appointed expert committee had raised concerns about blockages in the river and stormwater channels due to ongoing infrastructure work by NHSRCL and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In response, officials from both agencies assured that all obstructions would be cleared before the onset of heavy rains.
According to NHSRCL, the bullet train alignment intersects or runs alongside the Vishwamitri river at nine locations in and around Vadodara. The pier design adopted — circular in shape and spanning approximately 1.7km with 46 piers — has been engineered to allow unrestricted river flow, with pier diameters ranging from 4 to 5 metres, posing no hydrological obstruction.
To prepare for the rains, NHSRCL reported that all construction debris, temporary crossings, and approach structures near the river have been removed.
The agency has also implemented daily monitoring of water levels and flow rates during the peak monsoon season in major rivers.
Additionally, NHSRCL highlighted its Crocodile Management and Conservation Plan, acknowledging the Vishwamitri's ecological significance as a natural crocodile habitat. The plan includes signage, emergency contacts, protective fencing and barricades to restrict crocodile movement into sensitive zones.
Earlier this month, the project officials informed both the expert committee and VMC that several obstructions had already been removed, with remaining clearances and bank stabilisation works scheduled to be completed by June 15.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Vishwamitri cleared for monsoon flow amid bullet train work
Vadodara: With the monsoon approaching, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) has begun removing temporary obstructions from the Vishwamitri river to ensure unimpeded water flow in areas affected by the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and a Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC)-appointed expert committee had raised concerns about blockages in the river and stormwater channels due to ongoing infrastructure work by NHSRCL and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In response, officials from both agencies assured that all obstructions would be cleared before the onset of heavy rains. According to NHSRCL, the bullet train alignment intersects or runs alongside the Vishwamitri river at nine locations in and around Vadodara. The pier design adopted — circular in shape and spanning approximately 1.7km with 46 piers — has been engineered to allow unrestricted river flow, with pier diameters ranging from 4 to 5 metres, posing no hydrological obstruction. To prepare for the rains, NHSRCL reported that all construction debris, temporary crossings, and approach structures near the river have been removed. The agency has also implemented daily monitoring of water levels and flow rates during the peak monsoon season in major rivers. Additionally, NHSRCL highlighted its Crocodile Management and Conservation Plan, acknowledging the Vishwamitri's ecological significance as a natural crocodile habitat. The plan includes signage, emergency contacts, protective fencing and barricades to restrict crocodile movement into sensitive zones. Earlier this month, the project officials informed both the expert committee and VMC that several obstructions had already been removed, with remaining clearances and bank stabilisation works scheduled to be completed by June 15.


Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
Monsoon looms, but river bank strengthening still drags
Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has adopted a bioengineering method — rarely used on such a large scale in India — to stabilise the dredged banks of the Vishwamitri river. However, the initiative, launched with much delay, is progressing slowly, raising concerns that monsoon is already knocking on the doors. It is feared that downpours and turbulent river flow could lead to soil erosion and sediment re-entering the riverbed. VMC had first trialled the technique in April and formally engaged an agency in May to implement the method over an area of 1.34 lakh square metres at a cost of Rs 4.9 crore in the first phase. More work may be taken up if required. However, intermittent pre-monsoon showers and an early monsoon forecast have heightened the urgency of the project. Despite the potential of the technique, its delayed implementation is a cause for concern. As of Monday, only 2.3 km of riverbank had been covered, whereas the Vishwamitri stretches 24.7 km within the city limits. The civic body still lacks a clear plan for the total area requiring stabilisation, sources said. Experts believe the work should have been carried out in parallel with the dredging and resectioning of the river. "Stabilisation using artificial methods should have been initiated immediately after dredging was completed. Now, there's a risk of soil erosion and sediment washing back into the river," one expert warned. VMC standing committee chairman Sheetal Mistry acknowledged the delay, citing limited availability of specialised agencies and materials as contributing factors. "Not all stretches require stabilisation as there are areas with intact structures or undisturbed greenery," he added. A VMC official admitted that erosion from rain cannot be completely ruled out, but insisted it would be minimal. Experts have recommended prioritising critical locations, particularly areas with steep slopes or those historically prone to erosion. "Not every section of the riverbank requires reinforcement. Some segments experience erosion while others are zones of deposition," said an expert.


Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
Rapid action force teams to tackle rainwater stagnation in Vijayawada
Vijayawada: To tackle rainwater stagnation in low-lying areas and on roads during the monsoon season, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has formed separate rapid action force teams. These teams will ensure the immediate clearance of rainwater stagnation at key points by deploying Airtechs and Gulfer machines to suction stagnant water across the three circles under the civic body's jurisdiction. The civic body has identified a total of 43 rainwater stagnation points — 18 located in VIP areas, 10 in commercial areas, and the remaining 15 in residential areas across the three circles of the city. Locations such as the Durga Temple Downhill near Masjid, VMC headwater works, VMC main office underpass, Bandar Road, and Polyclinic Road have been categorised as VIP zones. Areas like the low bridge near KR Market, Eluru Road, NRP Road–Gandhi Nagar, and Singh Nagar Main Road fall under the commercial category. Meanwhile, the APIIC Colony, Rajiv Nagar Katta internal roads, and Kummaripalem Centre are classified under the residential category.