The Ahmedabad irrigation department issued an alert on Monday afternoon for areas around the Sabarmati River near Subhash Bridge following the release of water from Dharoi Dam and Vasna Barrage. The Sabarmati Riverfront’s lower promenade remains closed to the public after heavy rainfall on Sunday. Authorities also reported sightings of snakes floating in the river, and rescue operations were carried out by local agencies.

Villages along the Sabarmati River likely to face flooding have been put on alert, and officials have been instructed to take necessary safety measures. According to Dharoi Dam authorities, the water level at the dam was recorded at 188.68 metres at noon on Monday, which is 88.52% of its full capacity. To manage inflow, 107,248 cusecs of water are being released into the Sabarmati River, which is expected to reach Subhash Bridge in about 10 to 12 hours.

In addition, 27,282 cusecs of water are being released from the Sant Sarovar Dam, and 30,836 cusecs from the Vasna Barrage, where 25 gates have been opened up to 6 feet. The Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL) has alerted all agencies and contractors involved in ongoing projects, including the second phase of the Riverfront Development, the bullet train project by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation, boating operations, floating restaurants, and security agencies.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain across Saurashtra, Kutch, and several districts of Gujarat on Tuesday. Central and South Gujarat are also expected to receive heavy rainfall. As a precautionary measure, fishers have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea until August 28.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat has recorded 84% of its seasonal average rainfall so far. In the last 24 hours, Sankheda taluka in Chhota Udepur recorded the highest rainfall of 4 inches, followed by Umarpada (3.90 inches), Idar (3.86 inches), Vyara (3.54 inches), and Dabhoi (3.15 inches). Between 6 am and 10 am on Monday, Balasinor (2.13 inches) and Vijaynagar (2.13 inches) recorded significant rainfall as well.

Currently, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is over 84% full, while 67 dams are at full capacity, and 27 are between 90% and 100%. In total, 94 dams are on high alert, and 19 are under warning. Regional rainfall distribution shows North Gujarat leading with 87.43%, followed by South Gujarat (86.41%), Kutch (85.08%), Saurashtra (83.51%), and East Central Gujarat at 79.08%.