Ahmedabad, a city known for its vibrant culture, is grappling with a serious problem: waterlogging. Recent heavy rains have caused many areas to flood, turning streets into rivers. The situation has left residents in distress as they struggle to navigate through the water.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is under fire for failing to manage the city’s drainage system effectively. Local Congress leaders have voiced their concerns, claiming that the pre-monsoon action plan was insufficient. In just three inches of rain, many parts of the city experienced severe flooding.
Congress party members submitted a petition to the Municipal Commissioner. They highlighted the tragic deaths of two residents due to electric shocks caused by fallen wires in flooded areas. The leaders demanded accountability from the responsible officials and requested compensation for the families of the deceased.
Shahzad Khan Pathan, a leader of the Municipal Congress, stated that the flooding affected roads across the city. Homes and businesses were submerged, and emergency services struggled to reach those in need. For instance, an ambulance couldn’t reach a patient in a housing complex due to the flooding, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
Residents are frustrated. Despite annual plans to address flooding, the same issues recur each monsoon season. Many believe that corruption among officials prevents effective solutions from being implemented. The recent rains exposed the city’s vulnerability, with several areas resembling swimming pools.
The situation has prompted calls for more investment in stormwater drainage. In the past decade, only a minimal increase in drainage infrastructure has occurred. From 2015 to 2016, the stormwater drainage lines extended 923 km. However, by 2024-2025, this number is projected to reach only 980 km, an increase of just 56 km in ten years.
Financial records show that from a total budget of ₹47,289 crore over the last five years, only ₹124.29 crore was allocated for stormwater drainage projects. This represents less than 1% of the total budget. Residents and activists argue that this is not enough to address the ongoing issues.
The heavy rains have also caused chaos outside schools. Parents trying to drop off their children have found streets impassable. Many have had to wade through water to ensure their children reach school safely. The burden on families is immense as they navigate the daily challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure.
As the monsoon season continues, the call for action grows louder. Residents demand better planning and execution from the AMC. They hope that future rains will not bring the same distress and loss of life. The Congress party’s protest aims to highlight these issues and push for immediate changes.
In summary, the recent rains have brought to light the ongoing struggle with waterlogging in Ahmedabad. The city’s drainage system is in dire need of attention. Residents are calling for accountability, better infrastructure, and a commitment to addressing this long-standing problem. The outcome of this protest may lead to significant changes in how the city prepares for future monsoon seasons.
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