Surat: A drop in the water level at the weir-cum-causeway on the Tapi River has exposed an unexpected tilt in an under-construction intake well at Sarthana, raising concerns over the stability of the multi-crore project.The Rs 90-crore intake well, being built as part of Surat Municipal Corporation’s water infrastructure expansion, was found to be visibly tilted after the river level receded. The development prompted SMC officials to initiate measures to balance and stabilise the structure.The intake well at Sarthana is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 90 crore, including various components of the project package, and is scheduled to be completed over a period of one year. After locals alerted authorities, municipal councillors and SMC officials visited the site to assess the damage.As per standard construction procedures, an intake well gradually sinks into the riverbed as construction progresses. Due to its increasing weight, the structure is expected to settle vertically until it reaches the required depth, after which it is stabilised.“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,” said an official from the hydraulic department.Officials said the tilt had remained unnoticed for the past few months as the water level at the weir-cum-causeway was higher than the constructed portion of the well. With the water level now dropping, the structure has become visible.Alleging negligence, AAP municipal councillor Mahesh Anghan claimed the tilt occurred weeks ago but no corrective action was 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 said.The incident has also raised questions about the structural stability of the intake well. Civic officials said delays or damage could further escalate project costs. Following the incident, the testing and assessment of the site are also under scrutiny.
