Commercial construction in Ahmedabad’s Khadia ward is rising rapidly, leading to the gradual emptying of traditional pols. As more commercial units come up, their high water consumption is leaving local residents with dwindling supply.
Residents allege that over the past decade, former MLAs, corporators, and municipal officials have facilitated the conversion of residential homes into commercial warehouses, forcing long-time families to move out.
In Devji Saraiya Pol, families who have lived there for over 70 years have faced a severe water crisis for two days. Locals say old homes are being bought and turned into silver-melting furnace units, contaminating the 6–8 am water supply with sewage and acidic waste. Clean water now flows for barely an hour a day.
In Dedka ni Pol, commercial users have allegedly received official AMC water connections but still attempted to tap into Devji Saraiya Pol’s supply line, further cutting residents’ share.
With water supply nearly halted, residents protested. For the second day on Saturday, no water reached the pol, prompting strong outrage against municipal authorities.