Vishwamitri: a life of many

Abstract

The following article describes the effect of pollution on the river Vishwamitri and intends to create awareness among the citizens about the same. River pollution has been a serious issue since the inception of Industrialization, but today it has caused serious threat to human civilization. The Vishwamitri River was the cause of the establishment of Vadodara. But its present condition is nothing more than a dumping canal for chemical & sewage waste. It has a unique ecological importance in Gujarat as it inhabits a unique crocodile species called mugger (Crocodylus palustris). It has been listed by IUCN as one of the threatened species. The documentary starts with Geographical & Historical details, followed by types of life it sustains, different factors polluting it, its effect on different life forms, current methods to control the pollution and a brief description about the Vishwamitri Riverfront Development Project. Reviews of few eminent personalities were also considered. Vishwamitri River is seriously affected by discharge of untreated waste water from domestic and industrial sources located all along its bank in the city of Vadodara. Before entering in the vicinity of Vadodara city the river maintains reasonably good quality. As it flows through Vadodara, the Vishwamitri River is subjected to the drainage of the city's sewage and effluents from nearby industries. The water pollution has seriously affected the survival and habitat of aquatic life in various ways. Vadodara being the largest urban centre in the basin is the main polluter of the river.