Ahmedabad has grappled with severe waterlogging during the monsoon season, with the latest downpour from Sunday to Tuesday seeing an average rainfall of 10 inches. This deluge has led to waterlogging at over 300 locations, with persistent water issues at two spots for nearly four days. Despite the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) identifying 125 problem areas before the monsoon began, the number of affected spots has increased, highlighting deficiencies in pre-monsoon preparations.
The city’s struggle with waterlogging can be attributed to several interrelated factors. One significant issue is the inadequacy of the stormwater drainage network. The city’s 950-kilometre stormwater network, designed to manage rainwater runoff, covers only about 480 square kilometres of the urban area. Notably, 30% of this network is situated in the western part of the city, with only two operational stormwater pumping stations in these areas. The remaining 70% of the network is concentrated in the eastern regions. Adding to the problem, the city’s drainage infrastructure is insufficient for its growing needs. The 3,400-kilometre drainage network handles approximately 70% of the rainwater, with the stormwater system managing the remaining 30%. However, when rainwater is diverted through sewage lines, it contaminates the Sabarmati River, exacerbating pollution issues.
Urban expansion without concurrent infrastructure development has also compounded the problem. Areas recently incorporated into the city limits, such as Ghuma-Bopal and Kathwada, still lack adequate stormwater and drainage systems. The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) often approves development projects before ensuring the installation of necessary drainage infrastructure. For instance, a 29-kilometre RCC stormwater line was constructed in Jodhpur in 2013-14 at a cost of ₹34 crore, but no major projects have followed in newly added zones. The Sabarmati River, which historically played a crucial role in managing rainwater, has seen its storage capacity diminish. Despite efforts to deepen the riverbed during the Sabarmati Riverfront Project, infrequent cleaning since 2011 has led to reduced capacity. The Vasna Barrage, responsible for regulating river levels, had to maintain a higher threshold of 128 feet during this monsoon season, and its gates were opened to alleviate pressure, reflecting the river’s decreased capacity to manage heavy rainfall.
