AMC cleans 64,013 catchpits in pre-monsoon drive across Ahmedabad
Synopsis
Ahmedabad's civic body has cleaned over 64,000 catchpits in a single pre-monsoon sweep — the first phase of a citywide drainage overhaul that now covers 72,586 catchpits and 26,685 storm water manholes. With the monsoon weeks away, the AMC's scale of preparation signals a sharper institutional focus on flood-proofing one of Gujarat's most densely populated urban centres.
Key Takeaways
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) cleaned 64,013 catchpits in the first phase of its 2025 pre-monsoon drive .
The city's total catchpit count rose to 72,586 after 6,006 new catchpits were added.
Storm water manholes increased from 24,004 to 26,685 with 2,681 new additions.
The West Zone has the highest number of catchpits at 15,777 ; the North West Zone leads in storm water manholes at 7,465 .
All engineering departments and storm water teams will remain deployed across zones throughout the monsoon season.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has wrapped up the first phase of its pre-monsoon preparedness campaign, cleaning 64,013 catchpits across all seven city zones ahead of the 2025 monsoon season. The drive is aimed at preventing waterlogging and keeping the city's storm water drainage network unobstructed during heavy rainfall.
Scale of the Operation
The AMC's drainage network has grown significantly in recent months. The city previously had 66,580 operational catchpits; an additional 6,006 were newly constructed, bringing the total to 72,586 catchpits citywide. Of these, 64,013 were cleaned in the first round of the pre-monsoon drive.
Zone-wise, the West Zone recorded the highest cleaning count at 13,131 catchpits, followed by the North West Zone at 11,032. The North Zone saw 9,536 catchpits cleaned, the East Zone 8,990, the South Zone 7,534, the South West Zone 7,529, and the Central Zone 6,261.
Storm Water Manholes Also Upgraded
Alongside the catchpit drive, the AMC has launched a dedicated campaign for storm water manholes. The city's earlier count of 24,004 operational manholes has been increased by 2,681 new additions, taking the total to 26,685.
The North West Zone leads with 7,465 storm water manholes, followed by the East Zone at 4,731. The South West Zone has 3,732, the West Zone 3,267, the South Zone 2,847, the North Zone 2,761, and the Central Zone 1,882.
What the AMC Said
'Regular monitoring and preventive maintenance are being prioritised to ensure that the flow of rainwater is not obstructed and that the storm water drainage system remains efficient,' the corporation stated. It added that 'continuous monitoring, pre-monsoon checking and special planning for rapid on-site response' have been arranged to minimise waterlogging and enable quick drainage.
Deployment During Monsoon
The AMC has confirmed that all engineering departments, storm water teams, and field staff will remain active across all zones through the monsoon season to handle waterlogging complaints and sustain drainage operations. This comes as Ahmedabad has historically faced acute waterlogging in low-lying areas during peak monsoon months, making pre-season infrastructure readiness a civic priority. With the first phase now complete, the corporation is expected to move into a second round of inspection and maintenance before the rains arrive.
Point of View
But the real measure will come when the first heavy spell hits. Ahmedabad's low-lying wards have flooded in consecutive monsoon seasons despite similar pre-season claims, suggesting the problem is as much about outfall capacity and encroached nallahs as it is about clean catchpits. Publishing zone-wise data is a step toward accountability, but without post-monsoon waterlogging incident counts mapped against these zones, the numbers remain a preparedness claim rather than a performance record.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AMC pre-monsoon catchpit cleaning drive?
It is an annual preparedness campaign by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to clean and inspect catchpits and storm water manholes before the monsoon season begins. In 2025, the first phase covered 64,013 catchpits across all seven city zones to prevent waterlogging and ensure efficient drainage.
How many catchpits does Ahmedabad have in total?
Ahmedabad now has 72,586 catchpits in total, after 6,006 new ones were added to the earlier count of 66,580. The West Zone has the highest share at 15,777 catchpits.
Which zone has the most storm water manholes in Ahmedabad?
The North West Zone has the highest number of storm water manholes at 7,465, followed by the East Zone at 4,731. The city's total manhole count stands at 26,685 after 2,681 new manholes were added.
Why does pre-monsoon drainage maintenance matter for Ahmedabad?
Ahmedabad has historically experienced waterlogging in low-lying areas during peak monsoon months. Blocked catchpits and manholes are a primary cause of slow drainage after heavy rain, making pre-season cleaning essential for minimising disruption to residents and traffic.
What happens after the first phase of the AMC drive?
The AMC is expected to conduct further rounds of inspection and maintenance before the monsoon arrives. All engineering departments, storm water teams, and field staff will remain deployed across zones throughout the season to respond to waterlogging complaints.
