Shela Residents Caught in the Crossfire: Shela, one of the fastest-growing areas in Ahmedabad, is grappling with monsoon-related issues. Residents and developers blame the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) for the lack of basic civic amenities, especially stormwater and drainage systems.

Infrastructure Gap

Despite significant real estate development in recent years, Shela’s sewage infrastructure has lagged behind. Residents question why AUDA hasn’t developed the necessary systems over the past seven years, even after clearing town planning schemes (TPs) for the area. TPs 1, 2, and 3 in Shela, home to a large population, still lack stormwater and drainage systems. This contrasts with the Godhavi area, where TP-429, with a minimal population, has drainage lines covering 85% of the area. Urban experts are surprised at AUDA’s oversight and question why Shela has been neglected in terms of essential infrastructure development.

Developers in Shela, primarily a Residential Affordable Housing (RAH) zone, point out that many societies, mostly occupied by middle-income groups, struggle to maintain their Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) after management is handed over to them. According to AUDA rules, STPs are mandatory for societies with over 100 units. One developer stated, “This doesn’t solve the larger issues of drainage, stormwater, and waterlogging. Only 20-30 percent of the total water usage is treated. Ideally, AUDA should have installed sewage lines years ago, as requested.”

AUDA’s Response

While acknowledging the waterlogging and drainage issues, a senior AUDA official said, “Developers are always informed that they must maintain the drainage until civic authorities are ready with the required infrastructure.” Another official added, “These societies are supposed to have their own soak pits, but many have illegally connected their drainage lines to the main system, causing overflow during monsoons.”

New Drainage System

AUDA assures that a new drainage system, catering to TP-1, 2, 3 of Shela and TP 403, 404 of Sanathal and Telav areas, will be ready by the next monsoon. This Rs 235 crore project is part of a larger Rs 2,100 crore fund sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank. Following the drainage project, AUDA will install stormwater lines.

Relief for Applewood

AUDA plans to make a sewage pumping station (SPS) near Applewood township operational by July 7 or next week, which is expected to significantly alleviate the residents’ problems. “We have been working on the project for a long time and are at the finishing stage. This will ease the residents’ issues to a great extent,” said an AUDA official.