AMC chief pulls up officials over illegal stormwater connections, blames civic lapses for waterlogging

Amdavad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani has sharply criticised civic officials over alleged irregularities in Ahmedabad’s stormwater drainage network, blaming internal lapses and illegal connections for recurring waterlogging during the monsoon.

During a weekly review meeting held on Wednesday with senior officials from various departments, the municipal commissioner reportedly said that civic officials themselves were responsible for rainwater not being drained on time in several parts of the city.

As per officials present at the meeting, Pani pointed out that stormwater lines had been laid across Ahmedabad at a cost of crores of rupees, but illegal connections had been allowed into the network, affecting its efficiency.

“You have given illegal connections in the stormwater lines. First, remove the illegal connections you have given,” the commissioner told officials during the meeting, sources said.

The issue came up during a review of pre-monsoon preparedness and cleanliness-related works being undertaken by the corporation. Officials were instructed to integrate ongoing clean survey activities with pre-monsoon operations so that both tasks could be completed simultaneously.

During the discussion, City Engineer Vijay Patel of the Water Resource Management Department was asked to present details of work completed under the pre-monsoon action plan. The commissioner reportedly expressed displeasure after being informed that several works were still pending.

Pani also directed officials to remove all unauthorised connections from the storm water network and ensure that drainage lines are properly linked to ponds, lakes, and natural outlets to facilitate faster disposal of rainwater.