Ahmedabad: A week after floodwater inundated basements, damaged vehicles and forced residents to scramble for safety, several housing societies in Ahmedabad are gearing up for another spell of heavy rain. With heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast for Friday, many residents hope the precautions taken after last week’s flooding will help minimise losses.At Aakash Residency, among the worst-affected societies in Shela, residents have relocated critical infrastructure to safer locations. Society chairperson Ashish Patel said water supply and drainage control panels have been shifted to the first floor after the basement was flooded during the previous spell.“We suffered extensive damage when the basement was inundated. This time, we have moved the control panels upstairs, stocked sandbags near the entrance and kept dewatering pumps ready to prevent water from entering the premises,” he said.Maher Homes 2 Cooperative Housing Society in Shela has also stepped up preparations. Secretary Rajjan Sharma said residents have arranged dewatering pumps and are coordinating with Auda to tackle any recurrence of waterlogging.“Some residents have purchased pumps, while Auda has assured support if required. The diversion created near Shela village has improved drainage,” Sharma said.In Pujan Bungalows at Ghuma, last week’s flooding has triggered discussions on long-term solutions. Resident Dilip Dave said the society is considering constructing a recharge well and purchasing a stormwater pump to remove accumulated water more efficiently.“Such projects require consensus among residents. Meanwhile, many homeowners have started using sealants and temporary brick barriers outside their houses to prevent floodwater from entering,” he said.Residents said recurring flooding has exposed the need for permanent drainage improvements. They pointed to the overflowing Bopal lake and the lack of an effective outlet for excess water, saying long-term civic measures are needed, so societies do not have to prepare afresh for every heavy rain forecast.
