The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has spent nearly 200 crore over the past decade on storm water drainage projects, pumping stations, and maintenance. Yet, even a single inch of rain leaves several areas waterlogged for hours.
Despite the expenditure, only 30% of the planned 980-km storm water network has been laid so far — with 65% in eastern Ahmedabad and 35% in the west. Projects include a 29-crore drainage line in Prahladnagar–Anandnagar and a ₹105-crore upgrade on Ashram Road in 2019, but new waterlogging spots continue to emerge every year.
All storm water pumping stations have been outsourced to contractors. A recent viral video from Sardarnagar station, showing staff sleeping during heavy rain, has further fueled allegations of negligence.
Officials have been criticised for focusing on desk-based planning instead of effective on-ground execution, leaving citizens to suffer long hours of water stagnation after each downpour.