Ahmedabad has been hit hard by the monsoon, receiving 15 inches of rain in the last month. This heavy rainfall has exposed many problems in the city’s road infrastructure. In response to this situation, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani has ordered the repair of nearly 3,000 potholes on city roads within just three days.
The order comes in light of a recent tragic event in Odhav, where a motorcyclist lost their life after being swept away by floodwaters. Following this incident, Commissioner Pani visited several areas affected by flooding. He spoke with local residents and reviewed the ongoing work of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
During a review meeting, Pani expressed his frustration with the condition of city lakes. He questioned the Water Resources Management officer, stating, “You talk about interlinking lakes—then why is sewage entering them?” His comments highlight the need for better management of water resources and infrastructure in the city.
Despite ongoing efforts, many potholes remain on the roads. The commissioner has stressed the importance of quickly removing water from service roads, especially along the SP Ring Road and in low-lying areas like Bopal and the Madhumalati Housing Scheme in Nikol.
In East Ahmedabad alone, there are 479 reported potholes. Areas like Gomtipur, Amraiwadi, and Odhav are among the worst affected. Of these, 74 potholes are due to damage from stormwater drainage lines. So far, ₹7 lakh has been spent to repair 392 potholes in this region.
Here is a breakdown of potholes by ward:
– Gomtipur: 114 potholes
– Amraiwadi: 45 potholes
– Bhaipura: 32 potholes
– Ramol: 31 potholes
– Vastral: 57 potholes
– Odhav: 91 potholes
– Viratnagar: 59 potholes
– Nikol: 50 potholes
As the monsoon continues, public criticism of the AMC is growing. Residents are demanding faster and more efficient repairs to the roads. Many are concerned about the safety of the roads and the potential for more accidents if the potholes are not fixed quickly.
Commissioner Pani has urged all civic officials to prioritise this task. He has stressed that the safety of residents must come first, especially during the heavy rains. The AMC is expected to work round the clock to meet the repair targets set by the commissioner.
The urgency of the situation highlights a broader issue regarding urban infrastructure in Ahmedabad. As the city continues to grow, the need for better road maintenance and drainage systems has become increasingly clear. Residents hope that the current repairs will lead to long-term improvements in road safety and quality.
The AMC is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that the roads are safe for all citizens. With the commissioner’s orders in place, residents are hopeful that they will soon see improvements in their daily commute. The coming days will be crucial as the AMC works to repair the potholes and respond to the ongoing challenges posed by the monsoon season.
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