Sewage, rainwater flood low-lying areas as Tapi swells

Surat: At least 400 people from Revanagar in Adajan , Halpativas in Variav and Ghastipura in Mughalisara and Dhastipura located on the banks of Tapi River were shifted to safer locations after water entered their houses in the city on Saturday morning. Several low-lying areas like Kadar Shah Ni Nal and Ved Road were waterlogged after Surat Municipal Corporation officials shut the flood gates due to increase in water level of the river.

In areas like Mora Bhagal, Jehangirpura and Pal, sewage waters flushed back on to the roads due to closure of sewerage gates by the civic officials.

Tapi is flowing bank to bank in the Diamond City after authorities began to release water at the rate 1.89 lakh cusecs from Ukai dam. Several thousands residents thronged the river bridges and ovaras to witness the gushing waters of Tapi. Police personnel have been deployed at important river ovaras.

A senior officer of SMC’s hydraulic department said, “We have to close all the flood gates in the city to prevent water released in Tapi river from entering the city. However, people living in low-lying areas have been alerted of possible flooding due to increase in the water level in Tapi and closure of flood gates.”

Though the district administration officials said the decision to release water from Ukai dam has been taken to maintain the rule level of 335 feet, residents in the Diamond City are worried after seeing heavy inflow of water in Tapi.

Official sources said the water level at Ukai dam is at 335.51 feet against the rule level of 335 feet. However, the danger level at Ukai dam is 345 feet. There is constant inflow at the rate of 4.50 lakh cusecs from upper catchment areas of the dam. However, to maintain the rule level, the dam authorities have been releasing water at the rate of 1.89 lakh cusecs.

Surat district collector Dr Dhaval Patel said, “The situation is under control and there is no possibility of floods in the city. Release of water at the rate of 1.89 lakh cusecs is to maintain the rule level of 335 feet of Ukai dam. People should not fall prey to rumours and must not throng the river bridges.”