The Sabarmati River originates from the ranges of Arravalli in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, Western India. The river is about 371 km in length. In its initial course, the river is also called as Wakal. The river empties into the Gulf of Cambay of Arabian Sea. The river traverses a stretch of about 400 Km. The Banas basin lies to the east of the river, while the Mahi Basin lie to its north, and the Luni Basin to its west. The southern boundary of the river flows along the border of the Gujarat State. The total area of the Basin is 4,164 km square.

Sabarmati River Basin flows in the mid-southern part of Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat, between latitudes 23 degree 25` and 24 degree 55` and longitudes 73 degree 00` and 73 degree 48`. The river extends over some parts of Udaipur, Sirohi, Pali and Sabarmati River Dungarpur Districts. Sabarmati River flows in a southwesterly direction.

The main tributaries of the Sabarmati river are Wakal river and the Sei Nadi, which also rise in the Aravali hill range west of Udaipur city and flow south-westwards in courses generally parallel to the Sabarmati river. Owing to the construction of the Dam at Dharoi, Sabarmati river carries only dry weather flow without any assimilative capacity and starts stinking right at the beginning of the city as major storm water outlets discharges Sewage and Industrial waste waters.

Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are located on the banks of the river. There is a legend of how Sultan Ahmed Shah was inspired to establish Ahmedabad. It is said that while he was resting on the bank of Sabarmati River he got inspired by the courage of a rabbit to chase a bully dog. On the banks of the river Sabarmati, Gandhiji established Sabarmati Ashram during India`s Struggle for Independence.

The course of River Sabarmati extends for almost 371 km in western India. The Sabarmati River starts its journey in the Aravalli Range of the Udaipur District of Rajasthan. In the beginning of the course the river is also called as Wakal river. The river flows in the Indian state of Gujarat along the majority of its course and debouches in the Gulf of Cambay of Arabian Sea.

The main river and its tributaries form the drainage in Sabarmati River. The Sabarmati River and its tributaries define the drainage pattern of this River Basin. This basin drains down the slopes of the Aravali hills in Udaipur District, and the Vatrak river which rises in Dungarpur District.

Several surface water projects are carried out in River Sabarmati. The existing surface water projects in Sabarmati River have facilitated the irrigation procedure to a great strength. There are only 47 minor irrigation projects in the Sabarmati River basin, along with some small irrigation systems, covering less than 20 ha, which are constructed and operated by Panchayat Samities.

Sabaramati River Front Development was mainly initiated in Ahmedabad, but presently the scheme is being followed all along the riverbanks.

Surface Water projects of Sabarmati River
Several surface water projects of River Sabarmati have facilitated irrigation in this basin. The existing surface water projects in Sabarmati River have facilitated the irrigation procedure to a great strength. There are only 47 minor irrigation projects in the Sabarmati River basin, along with some small irrigation systems, covering less than 20 ha, which are constructed and operated by Panchayat Samities.

The ongoing water surface projects of the Sabarmati River include 15 minor irrigation projects with a total storage capacity of 15.4 Mm3, which are under construction in this Basin. An additional area of 3.2 kha will be irrigated on the completion of these projects.

The upcoming water surface projects include 26 minor and three medium irrigation projects with one lift scheme. The total live storage capacity of this project is 180 Mm3, which have been proposed in this Basin. An additional area of about 19 kha will be irrigated after the completion of these schemes.