Ahmedabad woke up to alarming scenes today as the Sabarmati River swelled above danger levels, submerging parts of the city’s iconic riverfront walkway. Heavy rainfall across Gujarat and water release from upstream dams have caused the river to overflow, sparking concerns among residents, civic authorities, and tourists visiting the city during the festive season.
The Sabarmati Riverfront, a landmark development in Ahmedabad, is now partially under water, with authorities issuing warnings for people to avoid the area until the water level recedes.
What Led to the Flooding?
According to the Irrigation Department, the sudden rise in water level is the result of:
- Heavy rainfall in catchment areas over the last 48 hours
- Increased water discharge from Dharoi and Vasna dams to ease pressure
- Urban drainage overflow due to continuous rain in Ahmedabad city
As of this morning, the river was flowing above the danger mark, leading to flooding of low-lying stretches of the Sabarmati Riverfront, including the popular walkway and cycling tracks.
Scenes from the Riverfront
Videos and images circulating on social media show benches, gardens, and parts of the pedestrian walkway submerged under water. Daily walkers, joggers, and tourists were seen turning away from the usually vibrant riverfront due to safety restrictions.
- Mehul Shah, a resident of Ellis Bridge, said: “The water has risen sharply overnight. By morning, the entire walking path was flooded. Authorities were already present to stop people from entering.”
- Anjali Desai, a tourist from Mumbai, added: “We came here to enjoy the Riverfront but ended up seeing flood-like scenes. It was unexpected and shocking.”
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has stationed teams at key points to monitor the water flow and prevent accidents.
Traffic and Safety Measures
The flooding has also impacted traffic in nearby areas, particularly Subhash Bridge, Ellis Bridge, and Paldi stretches, where commuters reported slow movement due to waterlogging.
Authorities have announced:
- Temporary closure of the lower promenade for public safety
- Deployment of rescue and emergency teams near low-lying colonies
- Continuous monitoring of dam releases to control further rise in river level
- Public advisory urging citizens to stay away from the riverfront
Possible Impact on the City
The Sabarmati flood has sparked concerns about:
- Damage to riverfront infrastructure such as gardens, pavements, and lighting systems
- Risk of water entering low-lying housing colonies near the river
- Public transport disruptions if flooding spreads further into city roads
- Potential health risks if water stagnation leads to mosquito breeding after rains
Urban planners also warn that the city’s drainage capacity needs urgent upgrades to prevent flooding during intense rainfall events.
Government and Experts React
Civic officials have assured that the situation is under control, but strict monitoring will continue throughout the day.
- An official from AMC stated: “The walkway is completely submerged at certain points. Safety barricades have been put up, and additional pumps are ready in case of waterlogging in nearby colonies.”
- Dr. Ramesh Patel, an environmental expert, said: “This is a reminder of the increasing unpredictability of weather. Urban infrastructure must be built with resilience against floods and heavy rains.”
Looking Ahead
While the water level in the Sabarmati is expected to stabilize once rainfall reduces and dam discharge slows, today’s incident has once again raised questions about climate resilience and urban planning in Ahmedabad.
For now, citizens are urged to stay indoors during heavy rains, avoid the riverfront, and follow civic advisories. The AMC has also activated its emergency helpline for residents in case of rising water levels in residential colonies.
As the city celebrates the festive season, the Sabarmati walkway turning into a flooded zone serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by nature and the need for stronger flood management systems in urban India.