In Asarwa, Ahmedabad, residents are facing a severe drainage problem. For a long time, sewage water has been collecting on the main roads in Jahangirpur. This situation poses a health risk to local citizens. Despite numerous complaints to the local MLA, no solution has been provided. On Friday, frustrated residents gathered on the road to express their anger. They surrounded MLA Darshanaben Vaghela, demanding action.
The drainage line in front of Jahangirpur Civil Hospital has broken down. It is 20 feet deep and has caused sewage water to back up. As a result, dirty water is now filling the streets, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to move. Tired of daily struggles, residents took to the streets on Friday morning.
News spread that MLA Darshanaben Vaghela was attending a school event in Jahangirpur. The angry crowd followed her to the event, where they surrounded her and local corporators. They presented their grievances about the drainage issue.
Residents urged the MLA to take action. They requested a new drainage line to be installed, regular inspections and cleaning of the existing lines, and an emergency response team to handle breakdowns. They also asked for improvements to the helpline for direct complaints from citizens. Amit Patel, the additional engineer for the central zone, stated that the breakdown in the machine hole is causing silt to accumulate in the drainage line.
Currently, CCTV machines are being used to begin desilting work. Repairs to the broken parts are also underway. Patel assured residents that a solution would be found soon.
This issue reflects a larger problem in Ahmedabad. The city has received over 28,642 complaints about drainage issues in just one month. Despite spending significant funds on drainage maintenance, the situation remains problematic. In June, the corporation received 31,793 complaints related to basic facilities, including 4,360 complaints about rainwater accumulation.
There are 498 groups working on drainage cleaning across the city’s 48 wards, each paid ₹50,000 monthly. However, complaints continue to rise. This has led to accusations from opposition leaders that the government is failing to address citizens’ needs. Even after spending over ₹3 crores before the monsoon season for drainage cleaning, the struggles of ordinary people persist.
The situation in Asarwa is an urgent reminder of the need for effective infrastructure management. Local residents are demanding immediate attention to ensure their health and safety are not compromised any longer. As the city prepares for the upcoming rainfall, it is crucial that these issues are addressed promptly.