Water Level Drop Reveals Tilt in Surat's Multi-Crore Intake Well Project
A concerning structural issue has emerged in Surat, Gujarat, where a significant drop in the water level at the weir-cum-causeway on the Tapi River has exposed an unexpected and visible tilt in an under-construction intake well at Sarthana. This development has raised serious questions about the stability of the multi-crore water infrastructure project being undertaken by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).
Project Details and Immediate Response
The Rs 90-crore intake well is a critical component of SMC's ambitious water infrastructure expansion plan. The project, which includes various associated components, is scheduled for completion within one year. Following alerts from local residents, municipal councillors and SMC officials promptly visited the site to assess the damage and initiate measures to balance and stabilise the structure.
Construction Process and Potential Causes
According to standard construction procedures for such infrastructure, an intake well is designed to gradually sink into the riverbed as construction progresses. The increasing weight of the structure should cause it to settle vertically until it reaches the required depth, after which stabilisation occurs.
An official from the hydraulic department explained, "In the Sarthana intake well, it appears the structure tilted either due to sand washing away beneath the foundation on one side, or due to a rock obstructing the sinking process on one side. The exact reason will be known after investigation, and necessary action will be taken to stabilise the well."
Delayed Discovery and Allegations of Negligence
Officials revealed that the tilt had remained undetected for several months because the water level at the weir-cum-causeway was previously higher than the constructed portion of the well. The recent drop in water levels made the structural issue visible for the first time.
Aam Aadmi Party municipal councillor Mahesh Anghan has alleged negligence, claiming that the tilt occurred weeks ago without any corrective action being taken. "The tilting of the well shows irregularities continue in the multi-crore construction project. The well tilted a few weeks ago, but no necessary steps were taken, possibly to cover it up," Anghan stated.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
The incident has sparked broader concerns about the structural stability of the intake well and the overall integrity of the project. Civic officials have acknowledged that any delays or damage could lead to further escalation of project costs. The testing and assessment procedures at the construction site are now under increased scrutiny as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the tilt and implement corrective measures to ensure the project's safety and completion.
