Surat: Residents near rivulets in Althan, Bhatar, and Bamroli areas are facing issues beyond the usual stench caused by effluents. While rivulets help in draining rainwater, they also carry pollutants throughout the year, leading to complaints about damage to household electronics. Many residents report frequent breakdowns of air-conditioners and fridges, as well as the tarnishing of chrome parts on cars, which they attribute to gases generated by the effluents in the rivulets.

A few months ago, similar complaints emerged from residents in the northern parts of the city, particularly in the Laskana area, where damaged ACs and fridges were reported. Investigations revealed that some commercial units had been discharging untreated chemical waste into the rivulets, which were subsequently sealed.

Meanwhile, officials from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) have stated that no harmful chemicals have been found during their regular checks. Similarly, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) also stated that only treated sewage is discharged into the rivulets, and according to testing, the water quality meets the required standards. DeshGujarat