Mahisagar (Mahi) River
Syllabus: Indian Rivers | Drainage Systems | Disaster Events
Source: Live Mint
Context:
On 9 July 2025, a section of the Gambhira bridge near Mujpur in Vadodara, Gujarat collapsed, causing multiple vehicles to fall into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River. The tragic incident resulted in nine confirmed deaths and highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities along important river systems.
About Mahisagar (Mahi) River:
General Information:
- Also known as Mahi River, it is one of the few west-flowing rivers in peninsular India.
- Holds cultural, geographical, and ecological significance.
Origin and Course:
- Origin: Near Minda village in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, at an altitude of approximately 500 meters in the Vindhya Range.
- Flows through: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
- Mouth: Empties into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat, forming a wide estuary.
Length and Drainage Basin:
- Total Length: 583 km
- Basin Area: 34,842 sq. km
Major Dams:
- Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam (Rajasthan)
- Kadana Dam (Gujarat)
- Wanakbori Weir (Gujarat)
Key Cities and Districts:
- Madhya Pradesh: Dhar, Ratlam
- Rajasthan: Banswara
- Gujarat: Mahisagar, Vadodara, Kheda
Unique Features:
West-Flowing River:
One of the few rivers in peninsular India that flows westward into the Arabian Sea.
Tropic of Cancer Intersection:
Crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice—a rare geographic feature among Indian rivers.
Cultural Importance:
Revered as Mahisagar; several temples are located along its banks.
Ecological Significance:
Supports diverse aquatic life including turtles and crocodiles; important for biodiversity in dam backwaters.
Conclusion:
The Mahisagar River plays a vital role in regional ecology, culture, and hydrology. The recent bridge collapse near its banks underscores the need for enhanced infrastructure monitoring and disaster preparedness in sensitive riverine areas.
