Gujarat Government Secures Rs 1.04 Crore from Contractor After Overhead Water Tank Disaster in Surat
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Gujarat government has recovered Rs 1.04 crore from a contractor after the collapse of an overhead water tank during testing, injuring three workers. Water Resources Minister Ishwarsinh Patel has affirmed strict actions against those responsible.
Key Takeaways
Rs 1.04 crore recovered from the contractor.
The tank collapsed during a testing phase.
Officials responsible have been suspended .
Plans for a new water tank are underway.
Over 20,000 water tanks built for clean drinking water.
Gandhinagar, March 13 (NationPress) The Gujarat administration has successfully retrieved Rs 1.04 crore from the construction firm following the collapse of a newly constructed overhead water tank during its testing phase in Surat district. This information was disclosed by Water Resources and Supply Minister Ishwarsinh Patel during a session in the state Assembly on Friday.
In response to a question raised by a member of the legislature, Patel explained that the tank was built at the Hariyal Sub Headworks in Tadkeshwar village and fell apart during its testing.
The tank, designed to hold nine lakh litres of water, was approved for Rs 94.84 lakh, of which Rs 83.45 lakh had already been disbursed to the construction agency.
In the aftermath of the incident, the government not only retrieved Rs 1.04 crore from the contractor but also lodged a police report against the company responsible for the construction.
Patel informed the Assembly that several officials held accountable for this incident have been suspended and are currently in judicial custody.
“All individuals deemed responsible for the water tank's collapse have been suspended from their positions, and those implicated in this case are presently in jail custody,” Patel stated.
The collapse took place in January during a test run when the newly built tank was being filled with water to assess its structural integrity.
The 15-metre-high structure, constructed as part of the 'Gaypagla Group Water Supply Scheme', was intended to provide drinking water to multiple villages in the area. Unfortunately, it collapsed during testing, resulting in injuries to three nearby workers.
Patel further mentioned that a new water tank will be erected at the same location to ensure that local residents continue to have access to water.
Expanding on water infrastructure in the state, the minister revealed that over 20,000 water tanks have been established across Gujarat in the last 25 years to guarantee the provision of clean drinking water, especially to those living in remote regions.
“More than Rs 24 crore has been sanctioned under the scheme in Surat district to ensure water supply to 34 villages,” he noted.
This initiative aims at enhancing drinking water access in the rural areas of the district.
Point of View
It also highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining infrastructure integrity in the region.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the water tank to collapse?
The water tank collapsed during a test run when water was being filled to assess its structural integrity.
How much money did the Gujarat government recover?
The Gujarat government recovered Rs 1.04 crore from the construction agency.
What actions were taken against officials responsible?
Officials deemed responsible for the incident have been suspended and are in judicial custody.
What will happen next regarding water supply?
A new water tank will be constructed at the same site to ensure continuous water supply to residents.
How many water tanks have been built in Gujarat?
Over 20,000 water tanks have been constructed across Gujarat in the last 25 years.
