Discontent Over Waterlogging Hits Ahmedabad Civic Meeting: MLAs Demand Permanent Solutions For Urban Flooding

Prolonged waterlogging following heavy monsoon spells dominated a high-level coordination meeting between city MLAs, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, and senior Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) officials. Lawmakers raised sharp concerns over civic preparedness, questioning why several areas remained submerged for three to four days despite the civic body's massive annual budget.

MLAs urged the administration to move beyond temporary fixes, demanding new storm drainage lines, capacity upgrades for existing pumping stations, and the construction of new drainage infrastructure.

Comprehensive Plan Proposed To Fix Drainage Infrastructure

Addressing the meeting, Ellisbridge MLA Amit Shah presented a detailed technical proposal outlining structural solutions for the city's drainage network. Drafted in consultation with former AMC officials and engineering experts, the presentation specified location-wise requirements for high-capacity drainage pipes and new pumping stations. Shah highlighted Mumbai’s flood management system as a benchmark for long-term urban planning in Ahmedabad.

Key infrastructure recommendations submitted during the meeting include:

• Interceptors along Sabarmati: Installing an interceptor pipeline along the Sabarmati Riverfront to channel storm runoff directly into treatment plants.
• Pumping Capacity Upgrade: Increasing the current pumping capacity at the Vasna Barrage from 75 MLD to 200 MLD to handle heavy peak flows.
• Smart Water Control: Installing real-time water level sensors along the river to regulate the Vasna Barrage gates dynamically based on historic rainfall data, alongside plans to integrate predictive AI technology.
• Pipeline Extensions: Extending critical drainage lines running from Wadaj through Ashram Road to the Vasna Barrage, diverting excess runoff directly behind the barrage structure.

Civic Officials Defend Response Times

When questioned on why residential pockets faced persistent flooding over three to four days, civic officials defended the AMC’s performance. Officials claimed that while neighbouring cities experienced standing water for up to five days, AMC teams successfully receded flood levels across most parts of Ahmedabad within two days. However, legislators maintained that a permanent overhaul of the city's drainage network remains urgent.

Beyond storm drainage, the meeting addressed drinking water shortages. Shah informed the commissioner that several municipal water tanks are failing to fill to capacity, resulting in low supply pressure for residents. The commissioner directed engineering teams to resolve supply complaints immediately.

MLAs Raise Healthcare Concerns And Civic Lapses

The coordination meeting also saw elected representatives confront officials over healthcare administration and protocol lapses:

• Medical Seat Reductions: BJP legislators expressed strong dissatisfaction over the loss of two postgraduate seats at the AMC-run NHLM Medical College. Officials attributed the reduction to ongoing faculty shortages in key departments like Radiology. The commissioner assured lawmakers that immediate steps would be taken to rectify the staffing issue.
• Hospital Infrastructure Shortages: Congress MLA Imran Khedawala raised concerns over patient care at municipal hospitals, alleging that a shortage of available beds forces medical staff to treat overflow patients on stretchers in corridors.
• Inauguration Protocol Controversies: Khedawala, who represents the Jamalpur-Khadia constituency, accused the civic body of bypassing opposition MLAs and councillors during official project inaugurations and civic events, including a recent Tiranga Yatra in Khadia. He warned that local representatives would block future official functions if public plaques continue to omit their names.
• Heritage Property Surveys: Khedawala also called for a sensitive approach towards structural stability assessments being conducted by SVNIT Surat on old properties across Walled City pockets like Lal Darwaja, Jamalpur, and Khadia, urging inspectors to preserve the architectural integrity of heritage structures.