Ahmedabad: As a New Year gift, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) is moving ahead with its plan to resolve long-standing issues related to drinking water, drainage, and waterlogging. Covering an area of 4,000 hectares, the project aims to benefit around 10 lakh people through the creation of a comprehensive drainage and stormwater line network.

The new network will cover more than 24 Town Planning (T.P.) schemes, with work related to drainage pipelines, treatment plants, pumping stations, and stormwater lines to be carried out. The entire project is expected to be completed within three years. Most preliminary and final T.P. areas under AUDA will be included, providing long-term relief to residents.

The project involves building new drainage lines, stormwater pipelines, and pumping stations across both the western and eastern regions under AUDA’s jurisdiction. In the western Lilapur–Ognaj area, a drainage network will be laid over 786.05 hectares, with a sewage capacity of 27 MLD by 2041 and 49.20 MLD by 2056. A detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared. The project is expected to benefit about 3.87 lakh people in Lilapur, Jaspur, and Khodiyar.

In the eastern region, around 58,000 people in Ranasan, Enasan, Muthia, Bilasiya, and Hanspura (603 hectares); 2.80 lakh people in Santej, Lapkaman, and Rakanpur (907.12 hectares); and 3.35 lakh people in Jetalpur, Aslali, Gamdi, Nandej, Gertpur, and Gertnagar (1,474 hectares) will benefit from the new infrastructure.

In total, more than 6.5 lakh residents are expected to benefit. Currently, several areas face problems due to the absence of stormwater lines. To ensure proper rainwater drainage, existing irregularly connected lines will be integrated into the new stormwater network.

Many parts of the city suffer from waterlogging during the monsoon because of inadequate drainage systems. The new network will address these issues, ensuring efficient rainwater drainage and improved flood management in the future.

The initiative is also expected to boost real estate development and support Ahmedabad’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Summer Olympics 2036. DeshGujarat