Ahmedabad has been hit hard by heavy rain, leading to severe waterlogging and potholes across the city. Despite only receiving 15 inches of rain this season, many roads are severely damaged. Reports show that at least 13 areas in the city are affected. Residents are struggling to navigate these conditions. On June 25, people in East Ahmedabad had to abandon their vehicles and wade through knee-deep water for nearly 4 km to reach home.
Motorists, especially those on two-wheelers, are facing serious risks. Potholes on the roads are causing many accidents. Riders have reported injuries and persistent pain due to the bumpy rides on these cratered streets. The situation raises questions about the city’s preparedness for the monsoon.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) spent ₹1.20 crore to fix 44 potholes last September. However, with an estimated ₹1,000 crore spent annually on road maintenance, the same potholes have re-emerged, highlighting issues of quality and accountability in the repairs.
On the evening of July 1, heavy rains hit Ahmedabad. The city experienced over 2.0 inches of rain in just three hours, with Maninagar recording the highest rainfall at 5.7 inches. This sudden downpour caused widespread waterlogging and traffic jams. Many areas reported over 2 inches of rainfall, leading to significant disruptions.
Bus services were halted in the Maninagar area due to water accumulation, leaving commuters stranded. The Ambedkar overbridge saw heavy traffic, and several underpasses were closed due to flooding. In some localities, heavy rain turned roads into lakes, making commuting nearly impossible. Residents in Khokhra and surrounding areas faced water entering their homes as the roads submerged.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Officials, including Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, visited the AMC Command and Control Room to assess the conditions. They have instructed various zones to take action for rainwater drainage.
In a worrying incident, a youth fell into a pit near the Mogal Mata temple in Ambikanagar, Odhav. Fire brigade teams are currently searching for him, as he has been missing for over an hour. Locals suspect he may have fallen into a nearby drainage canal. The search efforts continue as authorities urge residents to avoid low-lying areas and exercise caution while commuting.
As the monsoon continues, the situation in Ahmedabad highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure and maintenance to ensure the safety and convenience of all residents.
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