Mahi River Tragedy in Gujarat: Five Workers Killed After Sudden Flooding at Dolatpura Hydropower Plant

On September 4, 2025, tragedy struck at the Dolatpura Hydropower Plant in Mahisagar district, Gujarat, when water from the Kadana Dam was suddenly released into the Mahi River. The surge of water flooded the power plant, trapping workers inside. Despite days of rescue efforts, five workers lost their lives in this devastating incident.

What Happened at the Dolatpura Hydropower Plant?

• Cause of Flood: Heavy rains in central Gujarat and upstream Madhya Pradesh forced dam authorities to release nearly 4.5 lakh cusecs of water from Kadana Dam.

• Impact: The unexpected gush of water entered the Dolatpura Hydropower Plant, operated by Ajanta Energy Pvt. Ltd. (AEPL), while maintenance work was underway.

• Victims: Fifteen workers were inside the sump area, but only ten managed to escape. The remaining five were trapped and later found dead.

• Rescue Operation: Teams from NDRF, SDRF, fire brigade, and police struggled due to the sump’s depth (50–60 feet) and contaminated, murky water. Underwater robots and divers were deployed before the bodies were recovered.

Legal Action and Investigations

Following the incident, an FIR was lodged at Lunawada Police Station against officials, contractors, and staff of Ajanta Energy Pvt. Ltd. under sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for negligence and endangering human life.

The Gujarat government has also ordered a detailed probe into:

• The timing of water release from Kadana Dam.

• Safety protocols at private hydropower projects.

• Accountability of AEPL management.

Victims of the Mahi River Flood Tragedy

The deceased workers have been identified as:

1. Naresh Solanki – Ranchhodpura, Godhra taluka

2. Shailesh Raiji Machhi – Dolatpura village

3. Shailesh Ramesh Machhi – Dolatpura village

4. Arvind Damor – Ankaliya, Kadana taluka

5. Bharat Padariya – Dadhaliya, Kadana taluka

Their deaths have raised serious questions about worker safety in hydropower projects and emergency preparedness during dam water releases.

About the Mahi River

To understand the significance of this tragedy, one must also know about the Mahi River, an important water source for Gujarat and Rajasthan.

• Origin: Vindhya Range, Madhya Pradesh

• Course: Flows through Madhya Pradesh → Rajasthan → Gujarat

• Length: ~583 km

• Unique Feature: One of the few Indian rivers that crosses the Tropic of Cancer twice

• Major Dams:

  • Kadana Dam (Gujarat): The source of this tragedy, serving irrigation, flood control, and hydropower.

  • Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam (Rajasthan): Another key project on the river.

• Tributaries: Som, Anas, Panam, Heran

The Mahi River plays a vital role in agriculture, power generation, and water supply but is also prone to flash floods during heavy rains.

Kadana Dam – A Double-Edged Sword

Built between 1979 and 1990, Kadana Dam is a large masonry and earthen structure located in Mahisagar district. With a capacity to generate 240 MW of hydroelectricity, it regulates water flow and prevents floods. However, incidents like the Dolatpura mishap highlight the risks of sudden water discharge without sufficient warning.

Key Lessons from the Gujarat Hydropower Plant Tragedy

1. Safety First: Hydropower companies must ensure strict worker safety protocols.

2. Real-Time Alerts: Automated warning systems for downstream residents and workers are critical.

3. Coordination: Dam authorities and power plants must coordinate better during water releases.

4. Infrastructure Audit: Regular inspection of dams and private plants can prevent structural and operational failures.

Conclusion

The Mahi River flood tragedy at Dolatpura Hydropower Plant is a grim reminder of the balance between development and safety. While dams and hydropower projects bring electricity and irrigation benefits, they also demand stringent disaster preparedness.

The deaths of five workers in Gujarat underline the urgent need for accountability, improved dam management, and safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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