Saurashtra’s Ghed Area To See Relief As State Approves Rs 1,534.19 Crore Flood Control Plan

Gandhinagar: The long-standing issue of seasonal flooding in the Ghed region of Saurashtra is finally set to receive a substantial solution. The Gujarat government has given in-principle approval for a comprehensive rainwater disposal project worth Rs 1,534.19 crore in total to resolve the waterlogging crisis that plagues the area for nearly five months every monsoon, severely impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

This long-awaited move comes after years of persistent demands by the Ghed Development Committee, which has been advocating for a permanent resolution. In the first phase of the project, tenders amounting to Rs 139.42 crore have already been approved. Work under this phase is expected to begin shortly.

However, locals and experts remain concerned. Residents argue that unless the 21 shallow rivers passing through the region, from Dwarka to Mangrol, are deepened, the flooding will continue. These rivers, including the Bhadar, Ozhat, Sorathi, Uben, Vartu, and Minsar, often overflow during heavy rains due to their flat, unbanked profiles, causing extensive waterlogging in the Ghed area, which covers parts of Junagadh, Porbandar, and Devbhumi Dwarka districts.

To craft a sustainable solution, the state government commissioned a detailed study involving consultants, technical surveys, and extensive input from villagers through special Gram Sabhas. The study proposed short, medium, and long-term strategies based on local feedback and field visits by government officials.

Water Resources Minister Kunwarji Bavaliya announced that, based on the study, a three-phase plan encompassing 11 distinct types of work has been formulated for the Sorathi and Barda Ghed regions. This includes strengthening water channels and improving drainage infrastructure.

Nonetheless, questions linger. Farmers insist that deepening the rivers must be prioritized before monsoon hits to prevent rainwater from spilling into fields, causing economic losses. There’s also criticism that, despite the funding approval, the government has not yet released a detailed implementation map for the proposed projects.