Why in news?
On 9 July 2025 a section of the Gambhira bridge near Mujpur in Vadodara district, Gujarat, collapsed, causing vehicles to plunge into the Mahisagar (Mahi) River and resulting in fatalities. The tragedy drew attention to the river’s geography and significance.
Overview of the Mahisagar/Mahi River
- The Mahi is one of the few major rivers in peninsular India that flows westwards. It originates near Minda village in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh at an elevation of about 500 metres.
- The river traverses three states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat—before emptying into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.
- It is approximately 583 km long and drains a basin of 34,800 sq km.
- Major dams on the river include the Mahi Bajaj Sagar in Rajasthan and the Kadana and Wanakbori dams in Gujarat, which provide irrigation, hydropower and drinking water.
Unique features
- The Mahi crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice—once near its origin and again before entering Gujarat—making it unique among Indian rivers.
- The river’s westward flow and wide estuary support a rich estuarine ecosystem with crocodiles, turtles and migratory birds.
- Culturally it is revered as “Mahisagar” and numerous temples line its banks.
Lessons from the bridge collapse
- The incident emphasises the urgent need to audit ageing infrastructure, especially bridges and culverts in monsoon‑prone regions.
- Regular maintenance, timely repairs and adherence to safety standards are critical to prevent tragedies.
- Communities dependent on river crossings should have alternative routes and emergency response plans during monsoon season.