The Gujarat Congress has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of causing a flood-like situation in Bharuch district in an attempt to please Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. The party claims that excess water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam was suddenly released into the Narmada river on September 17, instead of gradually over several days.
The BJP, on the other hand, denies these allegations and argues that the dam received an unprecedented amount of water within a short span of 36 hours from the upstream. This forced authorities to release 18 lakh cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water into the downstream on September 17, which happened to be Modi’s birthday.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had visited the dam on September 17 to celebrate the occasion and perform a puja. Shortly after the release of the excess water, several areas in Bharuch district, situated along the Narmada river, became submerged.
Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil claims that the BJP government deliberately stopped releasing water earlier to ensure that the dam reaches its full reservoir level (FRL) on the Prime Minister’s birthday. Gohil alleges that releasing such a large amount of water in a short period caused a flood-like situation, with water reaching up to the second floor of buildings in some areas.
The government spokesperson, Rushikesh Patel, counters the Congress’ claims by stating that the dam received nearly 110 percent of water in only 36 hours, including water from other dams in Madhya Pradesh and heavy rainfall in the Narmada catchment areas. Patel insists that the situation was not a man-made disaster but rather a result of natural factors.
While the BJP government denies any deliberate action to please the Prime Minister, Gohil believes that such actions endanger the lives of people and lead to disasters. The congress party urges the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens over political symbolism.
Sources:
– Gujarat Congress
– Gujarat BJP
– Government data