Surat Corporators Seek Master Plan to Permanently Address Mithi Khadi Flooding

Flooding of the Mithi Khadi in Surat has evolved from a seasonal problem into a recurring crisis for several parts of the city. During heavy rainfall, rising water levels in the creek inundate low-lying areas, affecting residential neighbourhoods as well as commercial and industrial establishments. After the city faced flooding from the creek three times in July alone, demands have now grown for a permanent solution.

Amid the situation, all four corporators from Ward 18 have approached Municipal Commissioner Nagarajan, seeking an integrated master plan covering the entire Mithi Khadi area instead of implementing isolated measures at different locations.

Among the areas most affected by Mithi Khadi flooding are Surat-Bardoli Road, Saniya Hemad, Saroli, Kumbharia, Parvat Gam and Madhavbag. During heavy rainfall, rising creek levels cause water to enter residential, commercial and industrial premises. In several instances, water remains stagnant for three to five days, disrupting daily life and causing significant financial losses to businesses.

Demand for 3-km confinement wall

One of the key demands raised by the corporators was the construction of a confinement wall along an approximately 3-km stretch between Ashirwad Market and the Outer Ring Road.

According to the representation, the section beyond Ashirwad Market has a confinement wall, which helps control the spread of creek water and keeps the water level at around 9.30 metres. However, the absence of such a wall between Ashirwad Market and the Outer Ring Road allows water to spill into surrounding low-lying areas.

The corporators therefore sought construction of a confinement wall along the three-kilometre stretch to restrict the spread of creek water.

Pumping stations sought in low-lying areas

The corporators also sought pumping stations with adequate capacity in low-lying areas such as DMD Market, the Bharat Cancer Hospital area, Kumbharia, Saroli and Saniya Hemad Lake to ensure rapid drainage of rainwater.

They pointed out that once the creek's water level rises, natural drainage becomes difficult, making dedicated pumping infrastructure necessary in these areas.

9-metre setback and encroachment monitoring

The representatives also called for permanently demarcating the Mithi Khadi boundary and ensuring a 9-metre setback on both sides, as required under the applicable norms.

They stressed the need for strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent future encroachments along the creek and ensure that the natural flow of water remains unobstructed.

The corporators said a permanent solution to Mithi Khadi flooding cannot be achieved by installing a pump or constructing a wall at isolated locations. They called for a time-bound ‘Mithi Khadi Integrated Flood Management Master Plan’ bringing together confinement walls, flood gates, pumping stations, desilting, creek diversion, stormwater networks, setbacks and encroachment control.

Bridge sought from Kangaroo Circle to Maharana Pratap Chowk

The corporators also submitted a proposal for constructing a bridge from Kangaroo Circle to Maharana Pratap Chowk in view of increasing traffic in Ward 18.

According to the representation, the proposed bridge would improve connectivity between Kangaroo Circle, Maharana Pratap Chowk and the Saroli-Saniya Hemad-Kumbharia areas while helping reduce the pressure of growing traffic in the future.