Residents of societies under the Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA) in Shantigram have been complaining of foul-smelling water due to the discharge from a sewage treatment plant near their residential properties.
Around 15,000 people residing in 4,000 houses in the area are highly inconvenienced due to GUDA’s alleged mismanagement, even as fear of a disease outbreak prevails during the monsoon.
The stench emanating from GUDA’s sewage treatment plant is affecting the livelihood of five societies located in the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad border area. Locals allege that diseases like dengue also spread rapidly due to unsanitary conditions.
Some blocks of these societies fall under the Jaspur Gram Panchayat, while others are under the Dantali Gram Panchayat.
Notably, there are two sewage treatment plants near these societies – an old and a new one – both under GUDA.
The secretary of the Water Lily Society said, “The societies had informed the authorities about this issue. Authorities visited and assured us that the sewage treatment plant would be upgraded with sufficient technology to resolve the problem. However, there is also an old sewage treatment plant behind this society. Initially, there were talks of closing down the old plant and starting a new one. But now, both plants are operational. The sewage from entire Gandhinagar is treated in these plants, and since there is no facility to recharge this water, it is discharged into the open fields and vacant land nearby. This water then flows into society. This causes a terrible stench and a severe mosquito menace.”
Another resident said, “When we came here to buy a house, we were told that there was a forest reserve behind, and we could spot animals like deer and nilgais. But the situation is now quite the opposite. There is only the stench of dirty water and the nuisance of insects to experience.”
The plant is owned by GUDA and is managed by the Roads and Building Department, which also constructed the plant. Residents allege that, despite repeated complaints, no concrete action has been taken.
Action was taken regarding this plant and its water discharge issue during 2021–22, but no arrangements for the discharge of this water were made thereafter.