Vadodara ‘Sponge Pond’ Inauguration Derailed by Irate Residents 

Vadodara, Gujarat – A routine inauguration event for Vadodara’s first “Sponge Pond” and a “Home Compost Kit” distribution program by the Vadodara City BJP on Monday descended into an unexpected uproar, as furious local residents confronted corporator Bandish Shah over persistent waterlogging issues in their Karelibagh neighborhood.

The much-touted Jal Shakti Abhiyan initiative, held near Ambalal Park Ground, quickly turned into a heated exchange, with residents accusing elected representatives of showing up only for photo opportunities, not when their homes are submerged.

“When elections come, everyone comes, but when the water fills, no one comes!” thundered Minesh Pandya, a local resident, voicing the collective anger of the community. “We live here, there are 560 houses. We are not against this bore’s construction, but if the drainage line is choked, how will the water go out? We’ve made countless representations, but no one listens. No one came when the water filled in 2019, but now they’re here for an inauguration. Our only demand is an assurance that water won’t fill here this year.”

The sentiment was echoed by local woman Jagriti Ben, whose frustration was palpable. “When the rain comes, everyone’s food grains get spoiled. Sewer water comes from behind, rainwater from ahead. No one comes to see, everyone runs to vote,” she lamented. “This program is why everyone has gathered. The line was closed two days ago, so the water wasn’t flowing. Everyone joins hands at voting time, but no one comes after.”

Facing a barrage of accusations, Corporator Bandish Shah attempted to placate the agitated residents. “Against the allegations of the locals, I have a video that I myself came and cleaned it at 1:30 am,” Shah asserted, attempting to demonstrate his commitment. “We are doing this precisely to prevent water from filling their area. They say no one is coming, but I have evidence of coming here. We are making this effort only for them, and two chambers have also been built here. Our effort is to ensure that water does not fill here.”

Explaining the purpose of the new “Sponge Pond” system, Shah elaborated, “This arrangement has been made to prevent excess water from filling this area. Since there is excess water, it will be bored and discharged into the ground. A 220-foot bore has been drilled here, with an estimated cost of over ₹3 lakhs. Arrangements have been made for rainwater to come here through two chambers and be properly disposed of.” He further added that the sponge pond would be fenced off for safety.

Shah also appealed to the residents for cooperation. “We also appeal to the local people not to throw any kind of garbage here. Our effort is to solve the problem of storm water filling to a large extent. The chamber with this sponge pond has been connected to the storm drain, and the overflow water will go into it.”

Despite the tense atmosphere, the event saw the presence of Vadodara City BJP President Dr. Jayaprakash Soni, General Secretary Satyen Kulbakar, Deputy Mayor Chirag Barot, and ruling party leader Manoj Patil, alongside other corporators. The incident highlights the growing public frustration over civic issues, especially concerning urban infrastructure and disaster preparedness, and the need for immediate, visible action rather than ceremonial inaugurations.