Ahmedabad: AMC will implement two sets of rules for water and drainage connections: societies in areas merged into Ahmedabad in 2020 won’t have to submit documents or pay charges; those merged in 2007 aren’t so lucky.Areas merged in 2020 include Bopal-Ghuma, Kathwada, and Nana Chiloda. Areas merged in 2007 include Bodakdev, Vejalpur, Ghatlodia, Thaltej, and Gota.Sources said that for the areas merged in 2020, works to provide water and drainage connections began in 2022 and were handled by Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda).When Auda wanted to charge for providing connections, BJP members in AMC pushed back against the levies.In an Auda board meeting held on Oct 7, 2022, it was resolved to give new connections free of charge in cases where water connections already existed in Bopal and Ghuma municipality areas.Now, the responsibility of providing water and drainage connections in these areas falls on AMC. In a meeting held on Aug 27, AMC’s standing committee resolved to process new water and drainage connections without demanding documents or charges.“Nine years ago, Auda approved a Rs 77.5 crore project to provide 24-hour water supply to the Bopal-Ghuma area,” a source said. “A 24×7 water supply system was to be established in TP Schemes 1, 2, and 3 of Bopal and Ghuma, sourcing Narmada water from the Jaspur water treatment plant.”The project, the source said, included household connections, water meter fittings, civil, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation work.“Under this scheme, overhead tanks were to be built across Bopal and Ghuma for Rs 12.4 crore,” the source added. “Furthermore, Rs 35 crore was allocated for the water-distribution network and Rs 2.1 crore for providing connections to all households.”Although the project was delayed by the pandemic, its implementation began in 2022.PointersPushback against chargesSocieties in areas merged into Ahmedabad in 2020 won’t have to submit documents or pay chargesThose merged in 2007 aren’t so luckyAreas merged in 2020 include Bopal-Ghuma, Kathwada, and Nana ChilodaAreas merged in 2007 include Bodakdev, Vejalpur, Ghatlodia, Thaltej, and GotaSources said that for the areas merged in 2020, works to provide water and drainage connections began in 2022 and were handled by Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda)When Auda wanted to charge for providing connections, BJP members in AMC pushed back against the leviesNow, AMC has resolved not to levy any charges or demand documentsBox100% penalty for illegal drainage connectionsAhmedabad: Five months ago, Auda approved a new drainage connection policy for its areas adjacent to Ahmedabad city, including Shela, Sanathal, Telav, Manipur, and Godhavi.Under the policy, Auda has decided to levy a 100% penalty for the first time on societies and commercial buildings that install illegal drainage connections and later seek to regularise them after obtaining Building-Use (BU) permission.Additionally, if societies or commercial buildings fail to pay maintenance charges within the prescribed time after obtaining a connection, they will be charged an annual interest rate of 18% on the outstanding amount.Under the older drainage connection policy, Auda levied no penalty if an unauthorised drainage connection was made in a society, commercial building, or other structure and regularisation was sought after receiving BU permission.As a result, illegal drainage connections surged across Auda areas.
