Summary:
Vadodara: The check dam over Mahisagar River at Sindhrot has been helpful in providing freshwater to Barodians, but this same check dam has become a bane for 23 villages settled near Mini River due to the high level of salinity in it. While the high level of fluoride affects teeth and bones, the high level of TDS leads to liver and kidney problems. Mini River, a narrow tributary, merges with Mahisagar downstream of the check dam.Due to the check dam, the freshwater flow is hampered and sea water comes right up to the check dam and also enters Mini River during high tides. Even for irrigation purposes, the water is not usable since the TDS level should be below 1,000 milligram per litre for farming. With no other source of drinking water, several of these villages are turning to purchased water..