Petition: Hold the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) Accountable for Flood Mismanagement and Demand Sustainable Urban Planning!

To: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation, State Government, and Concerned Authorities

In the wake of the recent devastating floods that submerged our beloved city, Vadodara, for the first time in decades, we, the citizens, demand immediate action and accountability from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and all responsible authorities. Homes in areas like Mathuranagari Society, which never faced flooding even during the heavy monsoons of 2005 or 2019, are now underwater. In flood prone areas like Akota, management has been even worse than earlier times. This is not just a natural disaster; it is a man-made catastrophe caused by negligence, poor urban planning, and unchecked real estate expansion.

The VMC has repeatedly failed to prepare our city for the monsoon season, neglecting essential pre-monsoon work such as clearing drainage systems and maintaining pumping stations. In addition, the rapid and unchecked expansion by powerful real estate developers has led to the construction of buildings on floodplains, wetlands, and natural drainage channels, drastically altering the city’s landscape and increasing the risk of flooding. These developments have been approved without regard for environmental norms or the city’s own development plans.

We demand the following actions be taken immediately to prevent future disasters and protect the citizens of Vadodara:

1. Regulate Real Estate Development: Conduct a comprehensive audit of all ongoing and completed real estate projects, especially those located in ecologically sensitive areas such as floodplains, wetlands, and riverbanks. Revoke permits for projects that violate environmental norms or pose a risk to the city’s drainage and flood management systems. Enforce strict regulations to prevent further encroachments on vital recharge zones and natural water pathways.

2. Ensure Pre-Monsoon Preparedness: Make pre-monsoon work, such as desilting drains, maintaining pumping stations, and clearing obstructions from natural waterways, a transparent and accountable process. Regularly update the public on the status of these activities to ensure timely completion and prevent future flooding.

3. Adopt Intelligent Urban Planning: Invest in modern flood management solutions, including flood forecasting systems, automated drainage systems, and sustainable water management practices. Plan urban development with a focus on sustainability, ensuring that future projects do not compromise the city’s ability to manage natural disasters.

4. Demand Transparency and Accountability: Hold those in power accountable for their decisions. Implement mechanisms for public oversight and engagement in urban planning processes to ensure that the voices of the citizens are heard and considered. Ensure that all relevant information is made available to the public in a timely and transparent manner.

We believe that Vadodara deserves better than this. Our city should be a model of sustainable development, not a victim of greed and poor governance. It is time for the VMC to wake up, take responsibility, and act in the best interests of its citizens. We urge all concerned authorities to listen to the people they serve and make the changes necessary to prevent such a disaster from happening again.

Join us in demanding accountability, transparency, and sustainable urban planning for Vadodara. Sign this petition and make your voice heard. Together, we can ensure a safer, more resilient future for our city.

Sign this petition to hold the VMC accountable and demand immediate action!

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By,  
Concerned Citizens of Vadodara