Vadodara: Parts of four wards of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) have been severely waterlogged thrice since July 24 this year. The area, which is as big as an entire assembly seat, has been facing this situation despite being far away from the Vishwamitri River. The problem persists despite VMC spending Rs 38 crore on a stormwater drain .
These wards, located in the eastern parts of the city, got waterlogged when heavy rains lashed the city on July 24, Aug 26, and Sept 29. Several pockets remained inundated for days together despite water receding throughout the city. Such has been the situation that councillors from the ruling BJP have also taken to social media to highlight the plight of people after all other efforts were in vain.
A major reason for the inundation was that the water from nearby areas was entering eastern Vadodara. National Highway (NH) 48 forms the boundary of the city limits along its eastern side. It runs from the south of the city to the north.
Rainwater from the areas along the highway outside the city limits enters the city and floods eastern Vadodara , particularly areas in wards 4, 5, 15, and 16 of VMC. Realizing the gravity of the situation, VMC had started work on a stormwater drain parallel to the highway. Part of this drain from the Vadodara Panjrapole to Vishwamitri River has been completed.
This had also led to some respite for these areas, but the situation worsened. Sources said that besides the heavy rains this year, the stormwate.