Ahmedabad: More than 50 residential societies along Shela Road, at the edge of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) limits, are facing severe waterlogging due to a lack of stormwater drainage infrastructure. Even short rain spells result in nightmare scenarios for residents, as sewage mixes with stormwater, flooding homes.

The issue traces back to a drainage line that burst near Shantipura Crossroads last year, releasing water into a large open area and worsening conditions for the residents. Shanti Bhushan of Applewood Villas describes the situation, stating, “Our area’s topography causes water to accumulate. I had to use a tractor to take my daughter to her school bus stop. Despite a decade of rapid population growth, essential amenities like sewage infrastructure are lacking. Now, sewage is being directed into nearby open fields, compounding the issue every time it rains.”

In response, Bhushan’s society plans to construct a retention wall to block the water.

Recent heavy rains have underscored the severity of the problem. Club O7 Road in Shela was submerged, leading to numerous complaints to AUDA. In response, AUDA used JCB machines to dig up roads and nearby land, temporarily diverting water to open grounds. However, these reactive measures do not address the underlying cause, leaving residents to cope with persistent waterlogging that damages property and disrupts daily life. Neighboring areas like Manipur and Sanathal face similar challenges every monsoon season.