Vadodara: As part of the pre-monsoon preparation, the Vadodara Corporation has initiated a comprehensive maintenance project on the 62 gates of the historic Ajwa Lake, a critical source of drinking water for the eastern and southern regions of Vadodara city. This extensive repair work is projected to span over a period of 25 days.
Established during the reign of Sayajirao Gaekwad, Ajwa Lake, in conjunction with Pratappura Lake, was designed to supply water to Vadodara. The strategic design allowed the flow of water from Pratappura Lake to Ajwa Lake through a drain system. Spanning a circumference of twelve miles, Ajwa Sarovar was constructed to hold water up to a depth of 214 feet, serving the city's water needs for the past 111 years.
Eight years ago, the lake's earthen embankment underwent strengthening work due to leakage. With the Pratappura Sarovar unable to hold water due to a breach in its embankment, Ajwa Sarovar's 62 sluice gates play a crucial role. These gates, when opened during the monsoon season, permit the overflowing Ajwa Sarovar to release its water into the Vishwamitri River. Annual maintenance work on these gates ensures their operational readiness.
The Vadodara Corporation carries out maintenance of these 62 gates biennially. Over 50 workers are assigned to this task daily, working from 6 am to 12 noon to expedite the project. The focus of this year's maintenance work is on the gates themselves, as the gate drums underwent maintenance the previous year and do not require attention this year.
