The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has officially taken charge of the water supply systems in Bopal and Ghuma, areas that were earlier managed by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA).
The decision comes after a public meeting where the AMC’s water and sewerage committee approved the transfer of responsibility for the 24×7 water supply system to the municipal corporation. The handover of these crucial infrastructure projects, which were completed in 2022, represents a significant shift in the governance of public utilities in Ahmedabad. The water supply systems in these areas were completed at a combined cost of over ₹153 crore, with the Bopal project costing ₹68.88 crore and the Ghuma project ₹84.71 crore. As part of this transition, the AMC will now be responsible for ongoing maintenance, new water connections, and ensuring a consistent water supply to the residents of both areas. This move is expected to improve service delivery as the AMC has the infrastructure and experience to handle water distribution in various parts of the city. Officials noted that the shift will streamline the administrative processes and lead to more efficient management of resources in the long term.
The 24×7 water supply system, now under the AMC’s jurisdiction, aims to address the growing demand for water in these rapidly expanding areas. The Bopal and Ghuma regions have experienced considerable residential and commercial growth in recent years, placing a strain on the previous infrastructure. By taking over this system, the AMC aims to ensure that the increasing population in these areas has reliable access to water, which is a critical resource for any urban locality. Along with this, the AMC also unveiled a slew of other infrastructure projects aimed at further improving the city’s resilience to weather-related challenges and ensuring sustainable growth. Among the key developments was the approval of a ₹31.56 crore proposal for laying new stormwater lines to address waterlogging issues in Vejalpur and Makarba areas. This 4.6 km stretch, stretching from Butbhavani Temple to Sonal Cinema and the Makarba police headquarters to Sabarmati, is expected to alleviate flooding concerns that have plagued these areas during the monsoon season.
The development of stormwater drainage systems is a critical component of Ahmedabad’s urban planning efforts, with officials emphasising the importance of addressing flooding in low-lying areas to avoid disruptions to daily life and business. The project is set to be completed in 18 months and will likely have a significant impact on reducing waterlogging during the heavy rains that the city often experiences. Additionally, the AMC has approved a revised tender for the redevelopment of Vastrapur Lake. Initially budgeted at ₹5.15 crore, the project cost has now been increased to ₹10.12 crore, highlighting the complexity and scope of the lake’s redevelopment. The revised budget will cover the extensive work required to enhance the lake’s infrastructure, including improving its water retention capacity and ensuring that it becomes a sustainable urban water resource for the local population. Similarly, a new development project for Ropda Lake in the Sarkhej area, valued at ₹8.18 crore, was also approved.
With a focus on environmental sustainability and addressing urban challenges, the AMC’s efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance development with eco-friendly practices. The development of stormwater lines and lake revitalisation projects align with the corporation’s long-term goal of improving water management across Ahmedabad. These initiatives are also in line with the city’s vision to tackle climate change through strategic urban planning and water conservation projects. Furthermore, the AMC has also approved a proposal to operate and maintain a stormwater pumping station for the Vande Mataram underpass in the Chandlodia area. This project is aimed at improving the drainage capacity in the area, further reinforcing Ahmedabad’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and ensuring that the city can handle future growth and extreme weather conditions more effectively.
While these developments mark a significant step towards improving urban living standards, the AMC is also mindful of the need to continuously engage with local communities and environmental groups to ensure that the city’s growth is both inclusive and sustainable. Stakeholders in the region, particularly those living near the newly revamped lakes or stormwater systems, will be closely monitoring the progress of these projects to assess their impact on the surrounding environment.
The AMC’s assumption of responsibility for the water supply in Bopal and Ghuma is a positive development for the city, ensuring that these fast-growing areas have access to consistent and reliable water resources. The corporation’s strategic infrastructure projects, from stormwater lines to lake redevelopment, will play a critical role in addressing the city’s urban challenges, ensuring that Ahmedabad continues to thrive while meeting the needs of its citizens.
AMC Takes Over Water Supply Infrastructure in Bopal and Ghuma
