Recent efforts in 2025 have seen a large-scale conservation and flood mitigation project on the Vishwamitri river in Vadodara. This Rs 1,200-crore initiative was launched after severe floods in 2024. The project combines river dredging with a unique wildlife conservation programme. It aims to restore the river’s flow while protecting its rich biodiversity. Volunteers and experts work closely to safeguard eggs of endangered species during the dredging season.
Background of the Vishwamitri Flood Issue
The Vishwamitri river, flowing through Vadodara, suffered heavy sedimentation due to debris dumping and encroachments. This reduced the river’s carrying capacity and caused frequent floods. The worst flood in August 2024 prompted government action. The State Human Rights Commission directed the launch of a comprehensive flood mitigation plan first proposed in 2008. Dredging and desilting were the initial steps to clear the river’s course.
Biodiversity of the Vishwamitri River
The river’s riparian zone is a biodiversity hotspot. It hosts numerous species including ants, bees, reptiles, birds, mammals, and aquatic life. Notably, the river supports about 440 crocodiles in a 25-km stretch. Other key species include turtles, red-wattled lapwings, porcupines, and jackals. This rich ecosystem requires careful protection during river maintenance activities.
Conservation During Dredging
Dredging coincided with the breeding season of many species. To prevent harm, a conservation programme was integrated. Volunteers, led by zoologist Ranjitsinh Devkar, searched daily for eggs before excavation began. Eggs of crocodiles, turtles, and birds were carefully relocated to safer spots. The volunteers used detailed observation to locate well-camouflaged nests, especially of red-wattled lapwings.
Egg Rescue and Incubation Process
Between March and June 2025, 410 eggs were rescued and sent to Vadodara’s Sayaji Baug Zoo. This included 88 crocodile eggs, 284 turtle eggs, and 38 bird eggs. Some eggs arrived damaged despite careful handling. Photographs were taken to ensure proper orientation during incubation. Unlike bird eggs, reptile eggs must not be turned to avoid embryo death.
Zoo Incubation Facilities and Techniques
The zoo developed specialised incubation setups for reptiles. Plastic boxes filled with soil replicated natural nesting conditions. Temperature and humidity were strictly controlled. Maintaining 29.5°C ensured balanced sex ratios in crocodile hatchlings. Bird eggs were incubated using advanced brooding chambers. The hatchery was highly restricted to prevent infection.
Successful Hatching and Release
By July 2025, the zoo successfully hatched 16 crocodile eggs, 26 turtle eggs, and 20 bird eggs. Hatchlings were released at their original nesting sites on the riverbank. The project demonstrated a rare combination of flood control and wildlife conservation. It set a precedent for integrating ecological concerns in large infrastructure projects.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of urbanisation on river ecosystems with suitable examples from Indian rivers.
- Explain the role of community participation in biodiversity conservation and flood management in India.
- What are the key challenges in balancing infrastructure development and environmental conservation? Discuss with reference to river dredging projects.
- Underline the importance of temperature in determining sex ratios in reptiles and its implications for conservation biology.
