The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has initiated a crucial clean-up drive, removing construction and demolition debris from multiple sites along the Vishwamitri riverplain. This action comes amid rising concerns triggered by a recently prepared floodplain map of the river, which underscores the extent of large-scale constructions in ecologically sensitive zones. Experts directly link these developments to the exacerbated impact of floods that hit the city in 2024.
Decoding the Floodplain Maps and Regulatory Directives
As a component of the broader Vishwamitri river project, the civic body commissioned an agency to develop two critical maps: a 10-year floodplain map and a 5-year floodplain map. The 10-year map outlines areas with a probability of flooding once in a decade, while the 5-year map identifies zones susceptible to flooding every five years. This mapping exercise follows a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had earlier ordered the demarcation and protection of the river's floodplains.
The implications of these maps were a central topic at a recent high-level meeting. The gathering saw participation from VMC officials, representatives from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, members of CREDAI Vadodara, as well as environmental experts appointed by the state human rights commission. During discussions, officials acknowledged a troubling reality: several constructions have indeed been established on areas officially designated as floodplains.
Constructions on Floodplains: A Recipe for Disaster
Environmental experts present at the meeting provided a stark analysis. They emphasized that the widespread construction activity on the Vishwamitri floodplains was a significant factor in causing a wider spread of water during the intense floods of 2024. One expert pointed out a critical regulatory gap, stating, "While the General Development and Construction Rules (GDCR) specify mandatory distances from rivers, the vital aspect of floodplains has been largely ignored in practice."
It is important to note that the GDCR itself contains provisions for special regulations in areas prone to natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. However, the application and enforcement of these provisions concerning floodplains appear to have been insufficient.
The Path Forward: Complex Challenges and Stricter Rules
Addressing the existing constructions within the floodplain areas presents a complex challenge for authorities. Officials noted that any corrective measures would require extensive consultation with the residents and businesses currently operating in these zones, making immediate resolution difficult.
However, sources indicate a consensus on preventing future risks. There is a strong push to ensure that any future development on currently vacant plots within the demarcated floodplain will be subject to much stricter regulations. While the VMC's current focus on debris removal is a positive step, sources confirm that broader clarity and enforcement of floodplain regulations remain pressing issues that need urgent policy attention to safeguard Vadodara from future flooding catastrophes.
