Towards the western part of India, the state of Gujarat offers scenic beauty and plenty of sightseeing places, apart from this state being economically and industrially advanced. Bordered by the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, a major part of Gujarat, towards the south-western part is surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Two gulfs can be found, taking the water into the mainland, namely the Gulf of Khambat and Gulf of Kutch.

Origin of Bhadar river

Topographically, the region has a semi arid climate, but the places near the sea are wetter than the interiors. Rajkot district is somewhat close to the coast and through it, a number of rivers pass through. These rivers are mostly part of Saurashtra which arise from the elevated regions of the Mandav Hills near Jasdan. These flow through the districts of Rajkot and Porbandar to fall into the Arabian Sea.

Location and significance of Jasdan with Bhadar River

Municipality and city of Jasdan in Rajkot district is one of the important landmarks due to the flow of two rivers, Aji and Bhadar. Since Jasdan is geographically located at the center of Mandav Hills, the rivers arising from this particular hill and flows through the city. The average elevation of the city is about 193 mts. Due to Bhadar River, it has become well known and the two dams downstream are well known. Jasdan was a part of the Saurashtra state in the British era and in 1665 was ruled by Kathi Kshatriya Dynasty. Jasdan is one of the largest taluk in Rajkot district and comprises of about 102 villages.

Course of Bhadar River

Bhadar River originates from Mandav hills in Rajkot district’s Jasdan city and taluk. It flows through the Rajkot and Porbandar district and drops into the Arabian Sea. It has a length of about 200 kms and catchment area is about 7094 sq kms. Tributaries in the right banks are Chhaparvadi, Gondali, Utavali, Venu, Moj and Phophal, while the left bank tributaries are Vasavadi, Galoliya and Surva.

Two Important Dams Along Bhadar River

Dams on the Bhadar River have significant irrigation and conservation of water importance. There are two dams: Bhadar I and Bhadar II at distances of 68 kms and 106 kms respectively from the origin of Bhadar River. Each of these has catchment areas of 2435 sq km and 4465 sq km respectively. These dams serve the villages and fields around the location of the dam, mostly in the Bhadar’s catchment areas.

Present Day Status

Rajkot and Porbandar have plenty of textile mills and dyeing industries. Some of these are small scale industries, while a few large scale units are located in these districts. With Bhadar River flowing along these districts, the waste from these dyeing units and textile mills is released into the river. It is an easy way to dispose off the waste, but for the river and the life forms, it has proven dangerous, as the solid waste in the water is much above the permissible levels. About 1200 sari dyeing units are found along the river. Printing units in Jetpur are also responsible for these wastes. The 90 kms stretch of the river through such waste releasing units is responsible for the pollution. Due to its pollution, ground water in the nearby areas has turned red. Ghela Somnath temple of Jasdan is located near to the Bhadar River and forms a good sightseeing place for tourists coming to Rajkot.