A video circulating widely on social media has inaccurately attributed recent flooding in Vadodara to the ongoing bullet train project, claiming that Vishwamitri river water was blocked due to construction work. However, this information is misleading and incorrect.
Vadodara is currently experiencing severe flood-like conditions due to heavy rainfall in the region. The Vishwamitri River, which runs through the city, has seen a dramatic rise in water levels, leading to overflow and inundation in several areas.
An X user shared the video and said, “This is what caused the massive flood situation in the Vishwamitri River, Vadodara. To make temporary approach roads for the bullet train, they blocked the downstream of the river at multiple places. The river cannot flow smoothly, nor can it take water as per its natural routes.”
Posting on X, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation refuted the claims, stating, “A temporary approach road on the Vishwamitri River in Vadodara was established to aid construction activities and was dismantled before the onset of the monsoon, ensuring the natural flow of the river.”
Vadodara floods
Vadodara is grappling with flood-like conditions as the Vishwamitri River’s water level has surged to 35 feet, authorities reported on Tuesday. The rising water has inundated nearby areas, prompting urgent measures to address the situation.
Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana commented on the development, stating, “The Vishwamitri River’s water level has increased by 35 feet, leading to a flood-like condition in the adjacent areas.”
In response to the crisis, the gates of the Ajwa and Pratappura dams, which feed into the Vishwamitri River, have been temporarily closed. This action aims to prevent further increases in water levels and to mitigate the impact on the affected areas.