The VMC continued to release water from the Ajwa reservoir into the Vishwamitri to maintain the level of Ajwa at 211 feet. (File Photo)The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), which claims that the carrying capacity of the Vishwamitri river has increased to about 1,100 cumecs following a 100-day project of desilting and dredging undertaken prior to monsoon, is relying on managing the level of the Ajwa reservoir to maintain cushion in the river to mitigate the flood risk to the city.On Monday, as rain lashed Vadodara city, with Vadodara taluka receiving 29mm of rainfall till 6 pm, the VMC continued to release water from the Ajwa reservoir into the Vishwamitri to maintain the level of Ajwa at 211 feet, especially since the catchment areas of Ajwa reservoir received 65mm of rainfall in the preceding 24 hours.Speaking to The Indian Express, VMC Standing Committee Chairman Dr Sheetal Mistry said that the the civic body had planned to maintain the buffer of 2.85 feet in Ajwa from 211 feet to its maximum level of 213.85, in order to be able to manage flood situation during monsoon while Vishwamitri would be maintained between 14 to 16 feet.Mistry said, “Ajwa reservoir has different prescribed levels to be maintained during the monsoon, as per the manual. As of now, above 211 feet level, we are releasing water into Vishwamitri, which will be allowed to go upto 14 feet. We are keeping an eye on the weather forecast while maintaining this buffer. In case of heavy rainfall in the city and in catchment areas, we will take Vishwamitri to a maximum level of 16 feet, after which we will close the gates of Ajwa if needed… But we can regulate Ajwa until it reaches 213.85 feet, following which, the release is automatic.”Mistry added that the Vishwamitri’s carrying capacity has increased by upto 40% as compared to 2024, which saw devastating floods in the city in August-end. “The capacity of Vishwamitri has been increased by 40% and is currently 1,100 cumecs. This would have been around 700 cumecs before desilting. So, if we look at simple math, in August 2024, Vadodara city received 12 inches of rainfall in a span of 24 hours while 12 inches of rainfall was simultaneously also received upstream… This time, due to the increased capacity, that magnitude of rainfall can be managed by the Vishwamitri river. We will also hope that there is no simultaneous heavy rainfall above 15 inches in the city and catchment areas.”On Monday, the level of Ajwa was recorded to be 211.72 feet at 8pm while the level of Vishwamitri was at 10.69 feet at Kala Ghoda — the benchmark for measuring the flood danger level of 26 feet.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:VMC