Dance of Democracy: Urban growth outpaces drainage planning in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: As the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) heads into elections with over 38 lakh voters set to elect 192 councillors, a critical civic gap continues to shadow the city's growth story — the lack of a comprehensive drainage network in nearly 10% of its areas.While the AMC maintains that "98% of the city is covered by a drainage network", sources and ground reports indicate that several rapidly developing peripheral localities such as Bhadaj, Shela, Sarkhej, Gota, Ognaj, Kathwada, Lambha and Vastral still remain outside its reach. These areas rely heavily on septic tanks and soak pits, raising concerns about public health, environmental damage and unplanned urban expansion.Official data shows that Ahmedabad currently has a 3,570-km-long drainage network, up from 2,560 km in 2015-16. The city generates around 1,320 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, with 75 pumping stations and 18 sewage treatment plants with handling capacity of 1,367 MLD. However, this infrastructure expansion has not kept pace with rapid urbanisation, especially in newly merged and developing zones.In the absence of underground drainage, over 20,000 septic tanks are in use across the city. Housing societies in uncovered areas depend on soak pits for wastewater disposal, while the AMC spends an estimated Rs 8–10 crore annually on septic tank maintenance. Civic officials admit that development permissions are often granted in such areas based on temporary wastewater solutions, resulting in residential clusters coming up before drainage lines are laid.The lack of proper drainage has also led to environmental concerns. An AMC official, requesting anonymity, said illegal sewage discharge into lakes is partly due to the absence of underground networks. "Stormwater lines were originally connected to lakes in some areas, but illegal sewage connections have worsened pollution levels. The corporation has now initiated bioremediation efforts in five lakes," the official said.The issue is particularly acute in large peripheral wards. Former corporators point to long-standing neglect and planning delays."Lambha ward is the largest in Ahmedabad, yet nearly 60% of it lacks drainage, water and stormwater networks. Even after being merged in 2007, residents still depend on 1,500–2,000 septic tanks and soak pits. Development is happening, but basic infrastructure is missing," said Kalu Bharwad, former councillor of Lambha ward"Around 20% of Maktampura ward still has no drainage network. In areas like Gyaspur, people rely on septic tanks, and even neighbouring Sarkhej has similar issues. Older societies have been completely left out of the drainage grid," added Haji Cementwala, former councillor of Maktampura wardWith the AMC proposing a 30-year City Sewage and Storm Water Master Plan aimed at achieving 100% coverage, the elections are likely to see drainage infrastructure emerge as a key voter concern — especially in the city's expanding fringes where urban growth continues to outpace basic civic services.