Vadodara: While the city remained largely dry on Sunday, the situation was markedly different in Vadodara district’s rural belt where heavy rain inundated low-lying areas and forced the evacuation of 592 people. The downpours also disrupted road connectivity and prompted regulated water release from the Deo dam in Savli taluka.The district administration shifted villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations over the past 24 hours as water entered several low-lying settlements. Dabhoi accounted for the highest number of evacuations with 242 people being moved to relief shelters, followed by 135 in Vadodara taluka, 121 in Shinor and 94 in Padra. No evacuations were reported till Sunday noon from Waghodia, Desar, Savli, Karjan or any of the four zones of Vadodara city.District authorities said the evacuation exercise was undertaken on a war footing as officials kept a close watch on flood-prone villages. Vadodara collector Anil Dhameliya directed officials across talukas to remain on alert and continue rescue and relief operations wherever required.The rain also affected road connectivity in Mandva village in Shinor taluka, where mud from adjoining agricultural fields washed onto the road, temporarily bringing traffic to a halt. Revenue officials rushed machinery to the spot and cleared the stretch within an hour, restoring vehicular movement.With increased inflows from the catchment, the Deo dam also witnessed regulated discharge on Sunday. At 5pm, the reservoir level stood at 87.45 metres, just below the rule level of 88.02 metres, with storage at 60.18% of its capacity. Authorities kept two gates open by 0.15 metre each, releasing 901.57 cusecs of water against an inflow of 1,004.12 cusecs, while continuing to monitor the reservoir as rainfall persisted in the catchment.Even as floodwaters disrupted normal life in some villages, the monsoon brought cheer to residents of Dabhoi, where the historic Ten Talav was filled to capacity for the first time in several years. The rejuvenated lake, which recently underwent restoration and beautification, drew large numbers of visitors throughout the day.Residents said the replenished water body would not only enhance the area’s scenic appeal but also improve groundwater recharge and support the local ecosystem after years of inadequate rainfall.
