Ahmedabad Makes Water Tables Mandatory On New Roads After Bopal, Ghuma Waterlogging

In a move aimed at tackling recurring waterlogging during the monsoon, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has made the installation of water tables along footpath edges mandatory on all new roads being constructed across the city's zones.

The decision follows severe waterlogging in Bopal, Shela, Ghuma, Jodhpur and Vejalpur after heavy rainfall, with some areas reportedly remaining inundated for up to five days.

Water Tables To Channel Rainwater Into Catch Pits

Under the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), AMC's engineering department will incorporate water tables — specialised channels designed to drain rainwater — along the sides of roads.

Small roadside kerbs and C-shaped semi-circular pipes or channels will be constructed to prevent soil and sand from being washed on to the roads during roadwork and heavy rainfall.

The system is designed to channel rainwater from the road directly into catch pits, helping prevent water from accumulating on roads.

Provision Mandatory In New Road Projects

Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani has issued a circular prescribing a specific SOP for the construction of roads and footpaths.

Under the new guidelines, all AMC zones and the Road Project Department will have to include provisions for water tables while preparing estimates or floating tenders for new asphalt, RCC and white-topping roads.

For TP scheme roads and wall-to-wall roads, the gradient and slope will have to be planned in a manner that allows rainwater to flow through catch pits into stormwater drainage lines or natural drainage channels.

Catch-Pit Network To Consider Ground Conditions

The AMC has also highlighted differences in the geographical conditions across Ahmedabad.

While groundwater may be encountered after excavating just two to three feet in some areas, water may be found only after digging eight feet or deeper in others.

The catch-pit network will therefore be planned after taking these local conditions into account, officials said.

Bopal Waterlogging Triggers Fresh Focus On Drainage

The move comes after heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging in western parts of Ahmedabad, including Bopal, Ghuma, Shela and areas around SG Highway.

Bopal, in particular, witnessed prolonged waterlogging, with rainwater reportedly remaining accumulated in residential societies and bungalow areas for four to five days.

The recurring flooding has intensified calls for better rainwater management, with the civic administration now seeking to make water tables a standard feature in new road construction to improve drainage and reduce the risk of prolonged waterlogging during the monsoon.