Daily News Analysis

Sabarmati River

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According to recent reports, Thirteen stretches of rivers in Gujarat have been officially classified as polluted, with the Sabarmati River emerging as the most contaminated. This data was shared in the Lok Sabha by the Union Government.

About Sabarmati River

The Sabarmati River is one of the major rivers in western India, primarily flowing through Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, but recent pollution concerns have put the river under scrutiny.

Course of the River

  • Origin: The Sabarmati originates from the Aravalli Mountain Range in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, where it is initially referred to as the Wakal River.

  • Flow: The river flows south-westward through Rajasthan and Gujarat.

  • End: It empties into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.

Length & Basin

  • Total Length: The Sabarmati is approximately 371 km long, with 323 km flowing through Gujarat and about 48 km in Rajasthan.

  • Basin Area: The Sabarmati basin spans an area of 21,674 sq.km, with a length of 300 km and width of 150 km.

  • The basin is bounded by the Aravalli Hills to the north and northeast, the Rann of Kutch to the west, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the south.

Geography of the Basin

  • Agriculture: A significant portion of the Sabarmati basin is covered with agriculture, which accounts for about 74.68% of the total basin area.

  • Urban Centers: The banks of the Sabarmati river are home to major cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The river bisects Ahmedabad into two halves: the western and eastern parts of the city.

Pollution Concerns

The Sabarmati River has been facing significant pollution due to several factors, including untreated industrial effluents, domestic waste, and improper disposal of solid waste. The river’s status as the most polluted among the thirteen river stretches in Gujarat points to a growing environmental crisis.

Major Tributaries of the Sabarmati River

  1. Wakal River

  2. Harnav River

  3. Hathmati River

  4. Watrak River

  5. Madhumati River

These tributaries contribute to the overall flow and water quality of the Sabarmati River, but also face similar pollution challenges.

Conclusion

Addressing the pollution in the Sabarmati River requires coordinated efforts from local governments, industries, and the community. Comprehensive river management policies and strict environmental regulations are crucial to ensure that the river's health is preserved for future generations.


 

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