Ahmedabad: A clash erupted on Sunday afternoon between residents of Applewoods Villas, Orchid Blues, and Ulariya village in Shela, following a dispute over an alleged sewage spill. The confrontation, marked by intense arguments and accusations, saw a significant police presence as the situation threatened to escalate further.
The contention began when residents of Orchid Blues and Ulariya village accused Applewoods Villas of discharging sewage onto the main road. In response, residents of Applewoods Villas insisted that the substance in question was merely stormwater being pumped out, not sewage as alleged. The disagreement over the nature of the spillage quickly turned into a heated altercation.
The dispute highlights underlying issues of urban planning deficiencies in Shela. The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) has been criticised for permitting the development of residential societies without ensuring adequate drainage and water supply infrastructure. This lapse has contributed to ongoing issues of water management in the area. Changodar police were called to the scene to manage the escalating situation. Inspector of Changodar police stated that the conflict involved around 50 to 70 residents from various societies. The police intervened to prevent the situation from worsening and facilitated a resolution. Residents were advised to take their grievances to AUDA, and the situation was de-escalated without any formal complaints being filed.
Despite Shela’s proximity to numerous water bodies, including 13 lakes and the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd’s Gota-Godhavi canal, waterlogging issues persist, particularly during the monsoon season. The lakes, which have become clogged with construction debris and silt, have not been maintained or deepened by AUDA for over a decade, exacerbating the problem. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure management in Shela. The ongoing challenges with drainage and water supply reflect broader issues that need addressing to prevent such conflicts and ensure effective urban development.
