In a big move to boost the health of the people and the infrastructure of the city, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has given a green light to a massive 160 crore project that will remove water contamination in 3 highly populated sections within the city, namely Khadia, Dariyapur and Asarva. These are neighbourhoods under the old city zone of Ahmedabad that have long suffered in terms of water pollution, old drainage systems and frequent cases of sewage overflowing.
This was decided upon after a thorough scrutiny of the water quality report, leakages of the pipeline and the degrading nature of the decades-old underground utilities as scrutinized by the AMC officials. The test showed that a number of places where sewage systems and drinking water pipes are crossing are severely contaminated, which causes recurrent health hazards to residents.
The officials state that the 160 crore project will be aimed at replacing the old pipelines, repairing the sewage systems, and modernizing the whole water distribution system in the concerned zones. The scheme involves elimination of cross connection, replacement of the drainage system and installation of a new system to make sure that clean and safe drinking water is accessible to all homes.
It is believed that the project will radically decrease the waterborne diseases, which have been a vice in these regions. Some of the areas within the city that are the most congested include Khadia, Dariyapur, and Asarva, with most water and sewage pipelines being close to 40 to 50 years old. Maintenance and upgrading have been challenging because of narrow lanes and dense population, hence aggravating the situation during monsoons, as waterlogging contaminates it.
According to the officials, the investment is also in line with the bigger objectives of Ahmedabad as part of the Smart City Mission and currently ongoing urban redevelopment. AMC focuses on reducing the disparity between developed parts of the city and the old parts that have been left in the infrastructural backyard of their neighbourhoods by the modernization of key infrastructure in the old city.
The move has been received with joy by the residents who are hoping that the move will bring the much-needed relief. People living in the area have made several complaints over stinking tap water, broken pipes, and frequent diseases that can be attributed to the contaminated supply. The new project, upon implementation, will bring long-term stability and better living standards.
The AMC has given its engineering and waterworks departments to start work as soon as possible and cause as little disruption as possible during implementation. Through this 160 crore intervention, the authorities feel that Ahmedabad is making a bold move towards solving one of its chronic civic issues and providing clean and safe water to everyone.
