Surat, a city known for its economic dynamism, is once again grappling with the familiar woes of monsoon-induced waterlogging. Despite claims of preparedness by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), recent heavy rainfall has exposed the city's vulnerabilities, leaving residents questioning the effectiveness of civic measures. The downpour, which dumped nearly 17 inches (approximately 431 mm) of rain on Surat in just 48 hours, has submerged large parts of the city, particularly low-lying areas near the Mithi Creek.
For residents of areas like Rishi Nagar, navigating the waterlogged streets has become an annual ordeal. People are forced to wade through muddy water, some resorting to tricycles while others struggle to push their bikes. The situation has also led to a spike in transportation costs, with rickshaw drivers charging exorbitant fares, further inconveniencing the already distressed citizens. "This is like an annual fair now," lamented Praveen, a Rishi Nagar resident, highlighting the cyclical nature of the problem and the apparent lack of a lasting solution. Echoing this sentiment, another resident voiced frustration over the increased expenses and disruptions to daily life, including school closures for children.
Adding to the residents' anger is the perceived lack of political will to address the issue. Ashoke Rawal, a long-time resident, pointed out that despite the SMC's substantial budget of ₹8,500 crore, there is no comprehensive rain policy or effective strategy to mitigate the flooding. He argued that prioritizing flood control measures over other infrastructure projects could provide a viable solution.
The SMC, however, maintains that it has taken adequate steps to prepare for the monsoon season. Dharmesh Mistry, the Deputy Commissioner of SMC, explained that the geography of the region and high tide conditions exacerbate the problem. According to Mistry, the Mithi Creek carries water not only from Surat but also from surrounding towns. During high tide, when floodgates are opened, water can flow back into residential areas, causing persistent waterlogging. Mistry acknowledged the complexity of the situation but assured that the SMC is exploring technical interventions to address the issue. The SMC also stated that it has implemented measures such as command centers tracking 4,500 live cameras, floodgates, and health camps.
The impact of the flooding extends beyond residential areas. Key infrastructure has been severely disrupted, with roads connecting localities like Godadra and Magob completely submerged, rendering them impassable. The floodwaters have also wiped out roadways, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected areas. A 65-year-old man suffered a chest pain emergency in Limbayat and had to be carried on a stretcher through waist-deep water for 30 minutes due to lack of immediate help.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for parts of South and Central Gujarat, forecasting continued heavy rain. While the SMC claims to be working towards zero casualties, the situation on the ground paints a different picture, with residents facing immense hardship and questioning the effectiveness of civic claims. The recurring floods raise serious questions about Surat's urban planning, drainage infrastructure, and the responsiveness of local authorities to the needs of its citizens.
