Ahmedabad, Aug 13 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has prepared a zone-wise Storm Water Drainage Master Plan for Ambli, Bopal, Ghuma and Shela following severe waterlogging in the areas during the recent spell of heavy rainfall, after Union Home and Cooperation Minister and Gandhinagar Lok Sabha MP Amit Shah sought a permanent and planned solution to the problem.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, Shah took note of the waterlogging after Ahmedabad received around 18 inches of rain and wrote to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Mayor Hitesh Barot and Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, recommending measures for a permanent solution.
The areas of Ambli, Bopal, Ghuma and Shela were incorporated into the AMC in 2021.
Officials attributed the waterlogging during heavy rainfall to the area’s geographical conditions and the earlier absence of an adequate stormwater drainage network.
Following Shah’s instructions, the civic body conducted a hydrological study of the entire area and prepared a zone-wise master plan for storm water drainage.
Under the plan, AMC has proposed new storm water drainage networks in areas where such infrastructure is currently unavailable.
The plan also includes measures to address identified waterlogging spots and provide storm water lines, interconnections and outfalls to facilitate the faster disposal of rainwater.
The civic body is also considering longer-term drainage arrangements in view of increasing urbanisation in the area. These include disposal arrangements linked with the Gota–Godhavi Canal and the Sabarmati River.
Officials said the measures were being taken in response to Shah’s instructions and recommendations and were aimed at providing relief to residents of Ambli, Bopal, Ghuma and surrounding areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
The development comes after recent heavy rain caused prolonged waterlogging in parts of Bopal and Ghuma, highlighting gaps in stormwater infrastructure in the rapidly developing western outskirts of Ahmedabad.
Reports during the recent spell also documented water remaining in parts of Bopal for several days.
The AMC’s master plan is intended to provide a planned drainage network for the affected areas rather than relying only on short-term measures during heavy rainfall.
–IANS
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