Have you lost count of the times you arrived late, exhausted, and frustrated at work after battling your way through waterlogged roads? You’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by Local Circles, an online social community, a staggering 59% of Amdavadis expressed deep concerns about losing valuable work hours during monsoon.
This issue is not limited to Ahmedabad alone; Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru face similar challenges, with roads submerged under heavy rainfall. The nationwide survey, which encompassed 22,000 respondents, including 2,425 from Ahmedabad, shed light on the underlying causes.
Experts cite a multitude of reasons for the frequent flooding of roads. These include an increase in built-up areas, insufficient provisions for collecting runoff, ineffective stormwater management, and clogged drainage lines, as reported by Local Circles.
The study uncovered that waterlogging in urban areas results in increased traffic congestion, reduced productivity and higher vehicle maintenance costs, among other consequences. In Ahmedabad, 63% of respondents confirmed that the city experiences severe waterlogging during the monsoon season.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 66% of individuals spend more time in traffic, while 42% face additional expenses for car repairs owing to increased wear and tear. Additionally, 32% of respondents expressed concerns about a higher risk of accidents.
The impact of waterlogging extends beyond personal vehicles, as car workshops report a 40% surge in queries related to wear and tear and vehicle damage caused by such incidents. Vishal Tandon, owner of a multi-brand car workshop in Ahmedabad, said, “During monsoon, we witness a 40% increase in the number of vehicles requiring repairs on account of damage caused by heavy waterlogging. These damages range from engine failures to electronic and even electrical display failures in newer car models.”
The survey findings emphasised the adverse effects of waterlogged streets, highlighting wastage of time, energy, and loss of productivity. Additionally, being stuck in traffic congestion leads to fuel wastage, accelerated vehicle deterioration, compromised road infrastructure, and an increased risk of accidents. Public property is also not spared from the damages caused.
Last Friday evening, Amdavadis were taken aback by a sudden downpour, reminiscent of the July 2022 deluge. Within a span of four hours, the city received 58mm of rainfall, resulting in traffic chaos that didn’t ease for hours.
The findings of this survey serve as a wake-up call for authorities to address the pressing issue of waterlogging. Prompt action is required to mitigate the adverse impacts on productivity, vehicle maintenance, and overall public well-being.
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