SURAT - With the arrival of the monsoon season, the Tapi river weir-cum-causeway, has overflowed following the initial downpours. Consequently, the Late Ras Te Weir, a connection between Katargam and Rander zones, was shut for traffic once water levels exceeded the precarious 6-metre mark, currently recorded at 6.15 metres.
Officially marking the start of the monsoon, the inaugural rains have gradually led to an increase in the Tapi river's water level. This has resulted in the flooding of the causeway, integral to Surat city's water supply, within the first week of the season. Due to the persistent rains and the associated rise in the district's water level, the Weir cum Causeway has been temporarily shut down to vehicular movement.
Constructed to offer a reliable water source to Surat city residents, the causeway's water level significantly impacts the water availability for the people. This vital structure, with a formidable surface height of 6 meters, currently measures at 6.15 meters and has been sealed off by the corporation. The weir cum causeway serves a crucial role in connecting Adajan Gorat to Singanpur via Katargam. Its closure has inevitably brought trouble to drivers, necessitating detours of an extra three to four kilometers. Concurrently, travel from Mughalsara to Adajan through the Nehru Bridge is also hindered due to ongoing Metro construction.
The city of Surat has been experiencing heavy rainfall over the last two days. Low-lying areas have seen inundation, and the Tapi's water level has surged due to widespread rain across the district. Rising water levels are also noticeable in Bardoli and Tapi, with both Tapi river banks affected by the relentless rains. Today's overcast skies hinted at continued downpours, corroborated by the Meteorological Department's forecast for rain across South Gujarat, including Surat.
