Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved two major sponge park projects in the city’s South and West Zones to tackle waterlogging issues and improve groundwater recharge, while also creating new recreational spaces for residents.

Sponge Park in Vatva Ward (South Zone)

AMC will develop a sponge park in Vatva Ward under the South Zone at an estimated cost of ₹2.33 crore. The contract has been awarded to S.G. Bagwan for ₹1.77 crore, which is 3.31% above the estimated tender amount.

A detailed survey and DPR have been prepared for the project. As part of the work, excavation will be carried out to construct a detention tank over approximately 1,300 square metres with a depth of 1.8 metres. The tank will have a storage capacity of around 2.34 MLD (million litres per day).

The detention tank will collect and store rainwater from surrounding areas, helping resolve recurring waterlogging problems in the locality. The stored rainwater will gradually percolate into the ground through five percolation structures, leading to groundwater recharge and an increase in groundwater levels.

To manage excess rainfall, a fail-safe valve system has also been planned in case the detention tank reaches full capacity.

During the non-monsoon season, the sponge park will serve as a recreational space with facilities such as a cycle track, horticulture and gardening areas, open table tennis facilities, a badminton court, an open gym, and a boundary wall with a gate.

Sponge Park (Lake Development) Near Siddhi Bungalows, New Ranip

In the West Zone, AMC has planned a sponge park-cum-lake development project near Siddhi Bungalows in the New Ranip area. The project will be undertaken on Final Plot No. 91 (reserved for a lake) in TP Scheme No. 6 (Chandlodia), covering an area of 2,833 square metres.

The site has been in a neglected condition for several years. With the proposed development, the lake and surrounding area will be upgraded, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the locality.

The project will also enable rainwater recharge and is expected to help improve groundwater levels. AMC plans to channel rainwater from an estimated 1 km surrounding area into the lake.

The project has received administrative approval for civil, electrical, and landscaping works at an estimated cost of ₹3.92 crore.

Once completed, both projects are expected to improve urban infrastructure, address waterlogging concerns, enhance groundwater recharge, and boost the overall quality of life for local residents. DeshGujarat