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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Rampant waste dumping choking creeks: Report
Surat: A report on the frequent flooding of creeks, released by a citizens' group and environmental NGOs, has identified rampant urban development and the dumping of waste into these water bodies as the main reasons for this annual monsoon problem. The report highlighted that natural water pathways, particularly creeks that once absorbed and dispersed excess water, are blocked due to construction activities and land-level modifications. On June 18, "Mara Surat Ni Surat - Citizen Report" was released by Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti and People's Union for Civil Liberties. The report was prepared by a team consisting of Avadhut Atre and Buddhavikas Athawale, both students of MA (Development) at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, Krishnakant Chauhan, advocate, and Sugeet Pathakji, architect. "In many areas, the land has been raised or construction carried out right along the natural water channels. Earlier, when creeks overflowed, the water had space to spread. Now, those outlets are blocked," the report noted. The citizen-led survey also flagged several sites where solid waste is being dumped directly into creek beds, further obstructing water flow. "Despite being fully aware that overflowing creeks cause floods, Surat Municipal Corporation continues to dump waste or permits dumping in these water bodies," said Chauhan. "Every year, this mismanagement leads to massive public expenditure on post-flood sanitation and healthcare. " The team recommended immediate measures such as identifying and reopening blocked rivulets and creating new drainage channels to allow floodwater to naturally flow into nearby rivers, creeks, or the sea. "A structured survey must be conducted during and right after flooding to gather data—photos, videos, water levels, and rainfall patterns. This evidence can help plan better for the following year, and the process must involve experts and citizens alike," Chauhan added. Another member, Pathakji, emphasised the need to remove encroachments and structures that have narrowed or obstructed the creeks. "Cities like London and Seoul have restored their creeks by clearing obstructions. Surat needs to take a similar approach. Some of the current constructions are also preventing stormwater from city areas from reaching the creeks."
Time of India
19-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Encroachments on creeks worsen flooding in Surat
Surat: A study released at the onset of the monsoon by scholars and citizens shows that encroachments on natural drainage channels are exacerbating flooding in the city. The study states that at several locations, land around creeks are encroached on for construction or dumping of waste. The report, 'Mara Surat Ni Surat - Citizen Report', was released by Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti and People's Union for Civil Liberties on Wednesday. It was prepared by a team consisting of Avadhut Atre and Buddhavikas Athawale, both MA (Development) students at Azim Premji University in Bangalore; Krishnakant Chauhan, an advocate; and Sugeet Pathakji, an architect. Every monsoon, there is flooding and waterlogging in various areas of the city near creeks. Flooding affects not only residential areas but also textile markets, causing losses worth crores and health issues. The report identifies various locations in the city using satellite imagery, to show how major portions of creeks have been encroached on. "We used imagery from 2011 and 2025 to identify these spots. Earlier, at these locations, water in the creeks would spread out in case of heavy rain. Now, due to construction or the raising of land, these natural channels have been blocked," said Atre. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch xu hướng AUD/USD? IC Markets Undo Expounding the dumping of waste with imagery, Athawale said, "A vast quantity of waste is dumped in the creeks, blocking the flow of water. We found locations where waterways merging into creeks have disappeared or narrowed." The team shared the photographs and satellite imagery of various locations to assert their contentions. "We found roads and concrete walls built to contain rivulets and create a bowl shape. This has stopped water from entering the creeks and reduced their carrying capacity," said Pathakji. The team identified various locations where waterlogging is an issue every monsoon and showed how the blocking of channels to creeks was the reason for it. "At the creek near Dindoli, the meandering course was straightened like a road. This has reduced the water carrying capacity and does not allow the water to spread over a wider space," said Chauhan. The team submitted the report to the city civic body and recommended measures to prevent floods in the city. The team also highlighted that a post-monsoon study needs to be conducted by civic authorities to identify problems and find solutions to them.
