Ajwa
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2009) |
| Ajwa આજવા | |
|---|---|
 Ajwa Reservoir 62 doors | |
  Location within Gujarat | |
| Country | India |
| Location | Vishwamitri river, Vadodara district, Gujarat |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Length | 5,000 m (16,000 ft) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Ajwa |
| Catchment area | 195 km2 (75 sq mi) |
Ajwa is a reservoir located about 10 miles east of the city of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Construction and function
It is an earthen dam that was built early 20th century by the then ruler of Vadodara, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Its main aim was to provide water to the residents of Vadodara. Although the population of Vadodara at that time was 100,000 it was the ruler's vision to build the reservoir three times larger. This reservoir has the ability to attend to the water requirements of about 300,000 people residing in the eastern parts of the city.
The dam is about 5 km long. It can store water to the height of 211 feet above the sea level (its overflow level).[1] The floor of the reservoir is at around 196 feet. It is connected to the Vishwamitri river which flows through the city of Vadodara, so that excess water in event of floods is dispatched to this river. The reservoir has 62 gates.[1]
The engineer of the dam was Jagannath Sadashiva Hate, also known as Shri Jagannath Sadashivji. When the reservoir is full, it is supposed to have a catchment area of something close to 195 square kilometers.
In 2003 it was reported that the dam had been damaged by rats making holes in it.[2]
In 2005 heavy rain led to concerns that the reservoir might flood, threatening Vadodara.[3]
Nature conservation
Adjacent to the dam are the famous Ajwa gardens also called as Vrindavan Garden, which are an adaptation of the famous Vrindavan gardens located in Mysore. It is very famous especially in the evenings for its coloured fountains and a musical fountain.
The reservoir is home to some 340 crocodiles.[4]
References
- ^ a b "6,000 evacuated, 1 dead in Vadodara". The Times of India. 23 September 2005. Retrieved 2009-08-16.
- ^ "Rat holes in Ajwa dam plugged". The Times Of India. 2003-08-26.
- ^ "Rising Vishwamitri, Ajwa reservoir threaten city". The Times Of India. 2005-06-30.
- ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/croc-chronicles-vmc-refuses-to-house-homele/364038/