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Since 1411, when Ahmedabad was formed on its banks, the Sabarmati river has been an essential component of its existence. In addition to being a crucial source of water, it serves as a backdrop for cultural and recreational activities. During the dry season, the riverbed was used for agriculture. Over time, this provided space for various unlawful economic operations, and the riverbank was utilised by illegal encampments. Eventually, extensive use has gradually degraded the river. Rainwater runoff carries untreated sewage into the river and industrial trash disposal constitutes significant health and environmental risk. The Central Pollution Control Board pegs the Sabarmati as one of India’s most polluted rivers.
The Sabarmati is a seasonal river. Its flow is higher during the monsoon season and there is little or no flow after the monsoon. An average flow of 33 m per second was measured in Ahmedabad from 1968 to1979. The floods in August 1973 severely affected the region. The total annual water availability in the Sabarmati basin is 308 m3 per person, considerably lower than the national average of 1,545 m3 per person.
Tributaries of Sabarmati River
The primary tributaries of the Sabarmati include Vatak, Vakaal, Hathmati, Harnav, and Sei.
1. Sei
It is a river that flows into the Sabarmati from the right bank. It starts in the Aravalli hills and meets on the river’s right bank 95 km to the southwest. This river flows over 946 square kilometres.
2. Waka
It is a branch of the Sabarmati River that flows from the left bank. It starts in the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan and flows southwest for 88 km. It flows into the left bank of the Sabarmati. This river drains 1625 square kilometres. Its main source of water is the Maines.
3. Harnav
It is a branch of the Sabarmati River that flows to the left. It starts in the north of Kulia hills, a part of the Rajasthan range, and flows 75 km to the southwest. It connects to the left bank of the Harnav Sabarmati. It travels an area of 972 sq km.
4. Hathmati
It is a branch of the Sabarmati River that flows from the left bank. It starts in the southwest hills of Gujarat’s Rajasthan range and flows southwest for 122 km until it meets the Sabarmati. This river flows over 1526 square kilometres.
5. Waitaki
It is a branch of the Sabarmati River that flows to the left. It starts in the Panchara Hills, which are in the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan. After 248 km, it joins the Sabarmati. The area that the Vatrak and its tributaries drain is 8638 km.
Dams on the Sabarmati River
The Sabarmati and rivers that flow into it have many reservoirs. The Dharoi dam is built on the main river, while the Hathmati, Harnav, and Guhai dams are built on small rivers that flow into the main river from the north. Other prominent dams include Mexico Reservoir, Meshvo Pick-up Weir, Mazama Dam, and Vatrak Dam. The project in the Gulf of Khambhat led to the building of Kalpsar.
The Sabarmati’s Flow
The origin of the Sabarmati is the Dhebar Lake, located in the southeast of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan’s Udaipur district. Flowing in the southwest direction, this river enters the state of Gujarat and, passing through the plains for 371 km, joins the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Khambhat. About 170 km from its source, it meets the Hathmati, its major tributary. The river flows south-westerly through Ahmedabad and meets another tributary, the Vatrak, about 65 km. The coverage area of the Sabarmati basin spans 21,674 km. It flows for 4,124 km in Rajasthan and 18,550 km in Gujarat. In a semi-arid environment, a basin is formed. These regions receive between 450–800 mm of rainwater.
Conclusion
The Sabarmati is a monsoon-driven river that flows north-south through Ahmedabad, dividing the city into its western and eastern parts. The river was previously the city’s main source of water. Today water is delivered from many foreign sources. Nevertheless, the river remains important. It has provided space for artistic and recreational training along the banks. Mahatma Gandhi had established his ashram on the river banks, and the salt march started there during the freedom movement.
