Ahmedabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Ahmedabad, warning of isolated spells of extremely heavy rainfall as four active weather systems continue to influence Gujarat’s weather. While heavy rain is expected to continue over the next two days, residents in several parts of the city say they are already dealing with a worsening sewage and water contamination crisis.
According to IMD Gujarat Director A.K. Das, the earlier depression has weakened into a Well Marked Low Pressure Area over southeast Rajasthan and adjoining areas. However, weather conditions remain favourable for widespread rainfall across Gujarat.
Along with Ahmedabad, Red Alerts have been issued for Surendranagar, Rajkot, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Botad, while several other districts remain under Orange and Yellow alerts.
Even before the latest spell of rain, residents in Ahmedabad’s upscale localities of Bopal, Shela and Shilaj alleged that sewage water had entered residential societies and contaminated the drinking water supply.
Residents claimed sewage water from nearby drainage lines and a sludge-filled pond entered their housing societies following continuous rainfall. Although teams from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) pumped out the water, they alleged the locality’s slope causes the sewage water to flow back into the societies, leaving the problem unresolved.
“We can’t drink, bathe or even cook with the water coming into our homes,” one resident said.
Families alleged that contaminated water has entered household storage tanks, making it unsafe for drinking and daily use. Several residents said they have been relying on neighbours or purchasing water from outside, while some have started collecting rainwater for non-drinking purposes.
Residents also alleged that children have fallen ill due to prolonged exposure to contaminated water and the foul smell. Women said they are forced to walk through sewage-filled streets every time they step outside, raising concerns about hygiene and the spread of diseases.
Locals claimed they had requested the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to clean sewer lines before the monsoon but alleged that no preventive action was taken. They further claimed they have lodged complaints with the AMC, the local ward office, the Mayor’s office and even the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), but no permanent solution has been provided.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea on August 1 and 2 due to squally weather, with winds expected to reach 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to continue across parts of Gujarat, with thunderstorm activity also forecast over the next two days.