A critical underground gas pipeline was damaged in Surat on Sunday, severing cooking gas supply to approximately 1,200 households in the Bharimata locality. The incident occurred during optical fibre cable (OFC) laying work, causing significant inconvenience to residents and triggering a complex repair operation hampered by subsequent waterlogging.
Repair Efforts Hampered by Water Inflow
Alerted to the rupture, teams from Gujarat Gas immediately began repair work on Sunday. However, the situation worsened when excavation efforts to locate the damaged gas line inadvertently broke a stormwater drain and a water supply pipeline. This led to severe waterlogging at the site, submerging the pit and making it impossible for workers to trace the exact point of the gas pipeline puncture.
A dewatering pump was deployed to clear the water, but officials reported that continuous water flow was slowing down the process significantly. "In waterlogged conditions, it is difficult to locate the puncture and carry out repairs. Our teams are working to restore supply at the earliest," a Gujarat Gas official stated. By Monday evening, supply had been restored to only about 600 of the affected 1,200 homes.
Residents Struggle with Daily Routines
The prolonged disruption forced families to find alternative methods for daily chores, especially with children needing to get ready for school. Sarita Munjani, a resident of Bharimata, highlighted the practical difficulties. "In the absence of gas, the biggest problem is arranging warm bath water for children who have to leave for school early in the morning. We had to heat water in a microwave oven. We hope the gas supply is restored at the earliest," she said.
Official Inquiry and Accountability
The Surat Municipal Corporation's (SMC) Katargam zone had granted permission for the OFC-laying work. Civic officials confirmed they are monitoring the incident closely. An SMC officer announced that an inquiry will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the damage to the underground utilities. "An inquiry will be conducted to determine how the pipelines were damaged, and action will be taken against the agency responsible," the officer affirmed.
The incident underscores the risks associated with excavation work in densely populated urban areas where multiple utility lines coexist. It also highlights the cascading effect of such damage, where a single error can disrupt essential services like gas and water for thousands.
