Demand to fill Bor Lake via Mahi Pariej Scheme as water levels decline

The water level in Bor Lake, considered the lifeline of Bhavnagar, is continuously receding, leading to demands for it to be filled immediately through the Mahi Pariej Scheme. According to a report by TV9 Gujarati, while Bhavnagar received good rainfall during the monsoon, the lake holds less water compared to previous years due to low rainfall in the catchment areas. The water level is further decreasing due to a lack of rain in the final month of the monsoon and unbearable heat.

Currently, drinking water is supplied to the city's residents from the Shetrunji Dam and Bor Lake. Since 50 to 60 MLD of water is drawn daily from Bor Lake, its level is dropping. There are fears that if the decline continues at this rate, the lake bed will become visible. Experts and experienced individuals had informed the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation to fill the lake via the Mahi Pariej Scheme during the end of the monsoon, but the municipal authorities have not taken an appropriate decision.

Lines for the Mahi Pariej Scheme were constructed at a cost of crores of rupees, but the municipal officials have not utilised them according to the actual requirement. Opposition members stated that questions were raised regarding this matter in the general meeting, but despite the arrival of Diwali, work has not commenced, which could create a water crisis in the future.

When TV9 questioned the Standing Chairman of the Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation on this matter, he stated that he is in discussions with Minister Jitu Vaghani and the work to fill Bor Lake will be started on an immediate basis in the coming days.

Bhavnagar is the headquarters and city of the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat state. It was founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil. It was the capital of the Bhavnagar state, which was a princely state before merging into the Indian Union in February 1948. Currently, Bhavnagar has the 5th largest population in Gujarat.