Surat : Walled City Areas Face Acute Water Crisis

Surat : Surat often referred to as the “Diamond City,” is renowned for its precious gem trade and, interestingly, its abundant water supply sourced from the Tapi River. However, the tranquility of this thriving city is currently disrupted, with tens of thousands of residents in the walled city areas, including Chowk Bazaar, Sonifalia, Navsari Bazaar, Bhagal, Chauta Pool, and Lal Gate, facing an acute water crisis that has persisted for over a month. This alarming situation has left taps running dry, and the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) seems to have made little progress in addressing the concerns of its residents.

Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) authorities have been actively promoting Surat as a “Smart City.” Still, they are struggling to pinpoint the fault in the water supply network within the walled city. Distressed residents have been grappling with the scarcity of water for a month now, despite their efforts to convey their plight to the highest authorities and the local ward office. Unfortunately, the situation remains unchanged, leaving many residents frustrated and concerned.

In many walled city areas, residents are pointing fingers at the substantial damage caused during excavation work for the Surat Metro rail project, managed by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) contractors. It is suspected that the underground water lines may have been damaged, leading to the severe water shortage experienced by these residents.

Residents from Gopipura recently made a heartfelt plea to Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani, representing the dire situation they are facing. This delegation included elderly individuals who earnestly implored the Surat Mayor to ensure a stable water supply.

Responding to this urgent call, Standing Committee Chairman Rajan Patel and Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani summoned officials from the Hydraulic department to expedite a resolution to the water supply issue within the walled city. The SMC officials have assured the residents that they are working diligently to rectify the situation within the next few days.

The problem of low-pressure water supply in Soniphalia and its surrounding areas has persisted for years. Tenders for the construction of an overhead water tank at Gandhi Bagh were sanctioned four months ago to provide a permanent solution to this issue.

Unfortunately, the project faced delays, mainly due to the slow process of land possession transfer from the Garden Department. However, following an impassioned presentation by the concerned residents, the Standing Chairman has instructed the relevant departments to commence construction of the tank from October 19.

Shailesh Parmar, a resident of Sonifalia, shed light on the dire situation, stating, “The underground water supply network in the walled city areas is too old and has suffered from neglect. Additionally, the ongoing Surat Metro rail project has damaged the water pipes, causing water to leak underground and go to waste. Our taps have run dry, forcing us to rely on private tankers for our water supply.”