Drainage water pouring into Ahmedabad's Vastrapur Lake raises a stink

The Vastrapur Lake is raising a stink literally! So, the next time, you decide to take a leisurely stroll around the lake, remember to carry along your perfumed handkerchief.

The is because the lake, which is officially known as Bhakt Kavi Narsinh Mehta Sarovar, has been contaminated by drainage water flowing into it.

AMC officials blame the illegal drainage connections and lack of civic sense among people for the mess.

Since it was built, the lake has been one of the recreational spots for people in the surrounding localities. However, with drainage water flowing into it and garbage being thrown by visitors, the water has started stinking resulting in a foul smell and trouble for visitors.

Not only morning walkers and frequent visitors, but supervisor of the garden department has also several times brought the matter to the engineering department's notice.

Mansi Shah, resident of Lake View Apartment, said the foul smell increases when the water level recedes. "The trouble starts when temperatures rise. Moreover, the garbage thrown by visitors adds to the mess," said Shah.

Some regulars at the lake said the contamination is also affecting the fish in the water.

Dumping of drainage water in the lake has been a problem for long, even when the area was under the purview of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA).

"We have registered a compliant with the engineering department at least thrice in a year," said Suresh Kharadi, supervisor of garden at Vastrapur Lake.

Blaming illegal drainage connections, MD Modia, deputy municipal commissioner of AMC's new west zone, said he visited the place and instructed the department to take action in this regard.

"We have come to know that there are illegal drainage connections in the storm water line. We have stopped the drainage flow in the lake by blocking some illegal lines and are searching for other such connections," said Modia.

The engineering department has already found three illegal drainage connections in the storm water line, said BK Rathod, additional city engineer of AMC's new west zone.

The civic body has also released fresh water from the Narmada Canal into the lake.