09 Nov 2024        11:23:37 am

Geography

Vishwamitri river

Tags : Vishwamitri river

Topic: Rivers

Why in the news?

• Less than a month after Vadodara witnessed devastating floods, the city was on edge yet again with a swollen Vishwamitri river approaching the danger-mark. 
• As heavy rain in the city and the catchment areas led to rapid swelling of the river, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation began evacuating people from low-lying areas and sounded an alert for residents.

Source: The Indian Express

About Vishwamitri river:

• Originating from Pavagadh in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat, the Vishwamitri River flows mainly through the west of the city of Vadodara. 
• The name of this river is said to have been derived from the name of the great saint Vishwamitra.
• Two other tributaries namely Dhadhar and Khanpur merge into it before it amalgamates with the Gulf of Khambhat. 
• Human settlement dating back to 1000 B.C has been found on the bank of river Vishwamitri which ascertains the existence of the Stone Age Era. 
• Also in the beginning of the Christian era, a small township was developed on a mound on the banks of this river which later came to be known as Ankotakka (currently known as Akota) while the mound is popular as Dantri. 
• The Vishwamitri River was key to the settlement of Vadodara.
• This river system includes three major tributaries: Vishwamitri, Dhadhar and Jambuva. All the three tributaries originate from Pavagadh hills and Jambughoda forests. 
• This river system includes the Sayaji Sarovar on the Vishwamitri River near Ajwa, and the Dev Dam on the Dhadhar Branch.
• Its flow is from East to West in between two large perennial rivers Mahi and Narmada.
• Its banks are home to a lot of places of historical importance like Chhatri, Pratappura Sarovar, Old Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Boat House.
• It is a home to the mugger or marsh crocodiles which is one of the threatened reptile species in India and legally protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 
• In spite of heavy pollution and large human disturbances the presence of the crocodile in large numbers indicates the unique ecological significance of this river.

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