Commissioned in 1885 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the reservoir was mainly built to provide a clean source of drinking water. Also known as the Sayaji Sarovar, the dam was built at a cost of about Rs. 34 lakh. The foundation ceremony of the dam was conducted by Lady Watson, the wife of the British Resident, Watson.
The Problem and the Solution:
For years, British officers were in search of a clean source of drinking water for the city to combat outbreaks of cholera. The solution came from a local resident, Sadashivji Hate (also known as Shri Jagannath Sadashivji), who also became the project’s engineer. Hate’s plans were approved by Sayajirao, and construction of the reservoir began. The water spread of the reservoir covers approximately 5.5 square miles.
The Dam:
The dam spans approximately 3.5 miles (~5.5 KMs) in length and is 15 feet wide, featuring 62 gates. It is constructed across the Surya rivulet and the Vaghali Nala, situated about 12.5 miles (~20 KMs) from Baroda. Completed in 1890, the reservoir formed by the dam covers a catchment area close to 195 square kilometers. During floods, excess water is diverted to the Vishwamitri river in Baroda.
At the time of its construction, Baroda’s population was 100,000, but the ruler’s foresight was to build a reservoir three times larger. This facility can cater to the water needs of approximately 300,000 residents in the eastern parts of the city.
The gates of Sayaji Sarovar are operated using drums that are filled with water. As the drums fill and become heavier, the gates ascend and begin to close.
Sayajirao said in a speech while inaugurating water supply facility that:
Today, I put the thought of my railways aside and joyfully confess that i look upon the Ajwa Sarovar & the water scheme as the most important single public work brought to completion since my accession to power.
In 1892, a gravity-based water supply system was established where water was drawn using 30 inch main line, eliminating the need for pumps. This system delivered water directly to homes via taps, making Baroda only the third city in India at that time to achieve this feat. The city’s residents were greatly impressed by this development and affectionately referred to the reservoir as “Nalganga“. Subsequently, a water filtration plant was also established at Nimeta.
The Sayaji Sarovar has relied on a century-old crane mounted on a trolley for its maintenance since shortly after its construction. This vintage crane, pivotal for removing and repairing the 62 gate-operating drums, originally featured a teakwood arm that was replaced with an iron arm three years ago. The Corporation performs annual maintenance of the reservoir gates, with a more thorough review every alternate year involving the crane to manage the heavy drums, which are essential for the operation of the gates. The crane, despite being exposed to the elements and repainted every alternate year, continues to be a crucial asset in ensuring the reservoir’s effective management.
Adjacent to the dam are the famous Ajwa Gardens, also known as Vrindavan Garden, which are inspired by the renowned Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore. These gardens are particularly renowned for their colorful fountains and a musical fountain. They are also a perennial favourite destination for picnics among the city’s residents. Since 2019 Vrindavan Gardens have been turned in to ATAPI Resort.
It’s not surprising that the reservoir, built three times larger than needed due to the foresight of a ruler over 135 years ago, still supplies water to a significant portion of the city. The road from Vadodara city to Ajwa is named after the engineer Shri Jagannath Sadashivji as an honour.
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