Vadodara's beloved Sayajibaug, a sprawling 113-acre garden and a green legacy dating back to the 19th century, is facing a silent but steady threat. The historic park, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad, is gradually losing its land to the encroaching waters of the Vishwamitri River, putting its future at risk.
The Gnawing Threat to a Historic Legacy
For generations, Sayajibaug has been the heart of Vadodara, a cherished space for morning walks, family picnics, and peaceful retreats. However, the 147-year-old landmark is now scarred by erosion. A significant stretch near the garden's aviary has been identified as highly vulnerable, with the riverbank soil continuously caving in. The visible damage is alarming: a public toilet had to be shut down months ago after the soil behind it collapsed, exposing its foundation. Visitors now encounter barricades where lush greenery once flourished.
Root Causes: Floods and Human Intervention
Environmental experts trace the accelerated erosion to a combination of natural and man-made factors. The crisis intensified after the severe floods of 2024, which submerged large parts of the garden for days, uprooting trees and loosening the soil. Compounding the problem was a river de-silting and broadening project undertaken by the civic body last year. "The civic body removed a lot of vegetation along the riverbank during the broadening work. This loosened the soil, and erosion started happening even in the Sayajibaug stretch," explained environment activist Rohit Prajapati.
A study conducted by activist Prajapati and former director of the regional community science centre, Dr. Jeetendra Gavli, confirmed these findings. Their report, submitted to the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), states that soil erosion is caused by the uprooting of trees during floods, the removal of protective vegetation, and improper soil netting.
Calls for Action and Official Response
Local representatives and citizens are raising the alarm. Congress councillor Ami Ravat stated she has raised the issue multiple times, warning that spots behind the deer enclosure and near the aviary are eroding. "One more flood and a lot of land in the garden will be washed away," Ravat cautioned. Regular visitors like businessman Pritesh Shah express concern, recalling the frightening sight of a fence caving in and hoping for swift action.
In response, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation has initiated corrective measures. Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu stated that recognizing the gravity of the situation, the VMC cleared the construction of a retaining wall under emergency provisions. "The work was a bit delayed due to difficulties in making the approach road, but now all decks are clear and work on the foundation has begun," Babu said. Environmentalists have previously suggested eco-friendly solutions like gabion walls to arrest the soil erosion effectively.
The race is now on to protect this irreplaceable piece of Vadodara's heritage from being slowly consumed by the river that flows through it.
