Development Means illegal Construction: Is the flood in Vadodara caused by illegal construction?

Near the Vishwamitri river in Vadodara city, there is a tremendous amount of construction. Vadodara has a tendency to construct near rivers. The Siddharth bungalows, Agora city center, and the houses of political party leaders, etc., are constructed on the river. It means the part of the river that was illegally used to construct commercial or residential properties. The river's land and the surrounding land are owned by the government. An illegal construction was allowed by the officers of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) at the expense of the citizens of Vadodara. The permissions are granted under political influence.

Vadodara City became waterlogged on July 24th, 2024, due to 8 inches of rain. Vadodara's citizens were facing the biggest problems, even though the rain had started across Gujarat. It's commendable that the German technology used by VMC did the trick. When VMC have seen the fact that the dam releases extra water due to level crossing. The river and nearby areas of the river are covered with buildings where rainwater flows. The VMC needs to consider alternative solutions as multiple areas near rivers have had water blocked for more than 2 days. Who will be responsible for paying for the damages?

The legacy of corruption in the ruling party leaders and VMC officers continues. No one cares about Vadodara or the citizens of Vadodara. Construction on the rivers' path is causing almost 2-3 Lac citizens to spend their lives in danger. The victims of the flood require compensation for the damages. There is no need to pay local taxes until a permanent solution is provided. The ruling party and VMC officers view the citizens of Vadodara as those who pay taxes for the pleasure and luxury of VMC officers and ruling party leaders. The lifestyle of all VMC officers and leaders of the ruling party required CBI investigations on their source of income.

The rule created by the VMC for common human beings and the ruling party have two different laws. Political party leaders receive approval of illegal construction in less than 30 days while the common man struggles to get a normal life in Vadodara city. The rainy days are fun days, while the corrupt management of the VMC has turned them into damaging and life-threatening situations for the citizens of Vadodara. In order to determine who is responsible for the capture of rivers and nearby river land in Vadodara, an application under the Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) is necessary.