Ahmedabad: Sunday’s heavy rainfall has once again underscored the chronic problem of waterlogging in Shela. Even with 13 lakes and the Gota-Godhavi canal managed by Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd., the area remains plagued by significant water accumulation each monsoon season.
The root cause of this long-standing problem lies in the apparent civic apathy. The Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) has failed to maintain these lakes properly. Over the past decade, most of these water bodies have become filled with construction debris and silt, with no significant efforts made to dredge or deepen them. In a recent press release, the state water resources secretary mentioned that under the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan (SSJA), all urban areas have been instructed to desilt lakes and revive local water channels to enhance urban flood and climate resilience. Within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) limits, there are 156 lakes, with Sarkhej and Ramol-Hathipanj hosting the highest number, at eight each. Shela, under Auda’s jurisdiction, has the most lakes in a single village, with a total of 13.
Shela was brought under Auda’s jurisdiction in 2009, and in 2016, three town planning (TP) schemes covering the entire village were approved. However, during the formation of these TP schemes, alterations to the shapes of some lakes occurred, as admitted by Auda sources. With the rise in construction activity, the lakes have turned into illegal dumping grounds for debris, leading to severe choking and reduced water retention capacity. Additionally, several natural rainwater channels that once flowed into Shela’s lakes have been obstructed by the development of roads, residential areas, and societies. “TP roads were constructed over nalyas, the natural water channels, exacerbating stormwater accumulation issues and resulting in prolonged waterlogging events,” explained an official.
The residents’ plight is further aggravated by the civic body’s continued approval of large residential schemes in the area, despite the existing water management issues. This unchecked urban development has transformed what were once natural rainwater catchment areas into problematic zones for waterlogging. Efforts to address these issues have been sluggish. While the SSJA directive to desilt and revive water bodies offers a glimmer of hope, the execution of these measures remains to be seen. The successful implementation of these directives could significantly mitigate the monsoon woes of Shela’s residents, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable urban environment.
Shela’s ongoing struggle with waterlogging despite its numerous lakes is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive and sustained urban planning and environmental management. Without immediate and effective action, the monsoon blues will continue to haunt this rapidly developing suburb, posing challenges not only to its residents but also to the broader urban ecosystem of Ahmedabad.
