Ahmedabad’s East-West Divide Over Waterlogging: Vatva Road Remains Waterlogged for 24 Hours

Waterlogging persisted in east Ahmedabad's Vatva for nearly 24 hours after rainfall stopped, prompting repeated complaints before AMC deployed a heavy-duty dewatering van.

Dewatering Begins After Repeated Complaints

The stretch between Gujarat Offset and Vanarvat Lake remained inundated, causing difficulties for residents, pedestrians and motorists.

Residents said they repeatedly approached the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) seeking action as the water remained stagnant long after the rain had stopped. A heavy-duty dewatering van was eventually sent to the area, with pumping operations now underway.

Residents Allege 'Step-Child' Treatment

The prolonged waterlogging has renewed criticism of Ahmedabad’s stormwater drainage arrangements in the eastern part of the city.

Residents alleged that waterlogging in West Ahmedabad often draws an immediate response from civic officials and field staff, while similar problems in East Ahmedabad take longer to receive attention.

They claimed that civic machinery is mobilised quickly when western parts of the city face severe waterlogging, while residents in areas such as Vatva are often left waiting for intervention.

Anger Against Vatva Ward Representatives

Residents have also expressed dissatisfaction with elected representatives from the Vatva ward.

Locals alleged that corporators rarely visit affected areas during the monsoon to assess waterlogging and other civic problems on the ground. Some residents sarcastically described the representatives as “Mr. India” during the rainy season, alleging that they become invisible when the area faces water-related problems.

Demand for Permanent Drainage Solution

The Vatva incident has once again raised questions about the effectiveness of the stormwater drainage network in East Ahmedabad.

Residents have demanded that the civic administration address recurring waterlogging through permanent drainage improvements instead of relying on dewatering vans after roads become inundated.

They also called for the same level of urgency in East Ahmedabad that, they allege, is seen in western parts of the city.