Vishwamitri River

Vishwamitri River
Vishwamitri River, near Vadodara

Originating from Pavagadh in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat, the Vishwamitri River flows mainly through the west of the city of Vadodara. The name of this river is said to have been derived from the name of the great saint Vishwamitra.^[1] Two other tributaries namely Dhadhar and Khanpur merge into it before it amalgamates with the Gulf of Khambhat. Human settlement dating back to 1000 B.C has been found on the bank of river Vishwamitri which ascertains the existence of Stone Age Era. Also in the beginning of the Christian era, a small township was developed on a mound on the banks of this river which later came to be known as Ankotakka (currently known as Akota) while the mound is popular as Dhantekri. The Vishwamitri River was key to the settlement of Vadodara.^[1][2]

This river system includes three major tributaries: Vishwamitri, Dhadhar and Jambuva. All the three tributaries originate from Pavagadh hills and Jambughoda forests. This river system includes the Sayaji Sarovar on the Vishwamitri River near Ajwa, and the Dev Dam on the Dhadhar Branch.^[3][4] Its flow is from East to West in between two large perennial rivers Mahi and Narmada.^[5] The Vishwamitri River banks are home to a lot of places of historical importance like Chhatri, Pratappura Sarovar, Old Bridge, Suspension Bridge, Boat House.^[1] Vishwamitri is a home to the mugger or marsh crocodiles which (Crocody-lus palustris) is one of the threatened reptile species in India and legally protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In spite of heavy pollution load and large human disturbances the presence of the crocodile in large numbers indicate the unique ecological significance of this river.^[1]