Angry residents of Surat’s Parvat Patiya area have warned the Gujarat government and the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) that they will launch a large-scale protest if a permanent solution to the area’s recurring flood problem is not provided.
The warning comes after severe flooding in July 2026, when overflowing creeks inundated residential areas twice within a month, causing widespread damage to homes and vehicles.
Homes and Vehicles Damaged by Floodwaters
Several localities, including Rishi Vihar, Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram, Madhavbag, Nandanvan, Vrandavan, Shree Vardhan Row House, Ranchhod Nagar, Shanti Nagar, Ganesh Nagar and SK Nagar, were badly affected.
Floodwaters entered ground-floor homes, damaging furniture, household items, electronic appliances and vehicles. Residents said they have been suffering similar losses every monsoon despite repeated complaints.
They alleged that every year authorities conduct surveys, hold meetings and make promises, but no permanent flood-control measures are implemented.
Residents Demand Permanent Flood Solution
At a public meeting, residents expressed frustration over the repeated flooding and demanded immediate action. They questioned why long-term solutions for the city’s creeks have not been implemented despite years of recurring floods.
The protesters warned that if work does not begin soon, they will stage a large-scale protest similar to demonstrations held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Key Demands
Residents have demanded:
- A scientific study of the city’s creeks and natural water flow
- Removal of encroachments blocking drainage channels
- Upgrading the stormwater drainage system and creating water diversion channels
- A time-bound plan to complete flood mitigation projects
The residents said temporary desilting and water pumping are no longer enough and called for a permanent engineering solution to prevent flooding in the area.