Rampant waste dumping choking creeks: Report
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.
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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."
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