When a nearly 75-year-old water tank near Kalupur railway station in Ahmedabad was recently demolished, not only did bricks and stones fall, but the political debate intensified.
As soon as the 10-storey-high tank was declared unsafe, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation launched a major operation overnight. With the help of a crane, an eight-tonne excavator was lifted onto the roof and the structure was slowly demolished, to minimize traffic impact during the day.
The tank was built in the early post-independence period. Leaders associated with the Congress, especially Supriya Srinate, are citing its strong construction as an example.
He says the fact that heavy machinery of today’s era had to be installed to demolish a 70-75 year old tank shows how durable the work was done in those days. Congress supporters are seeing it as evidence of the engineering ability and strength of public infrastructure in their era.
BJP supporters, on the other hand, are arguing that the question is not one of emotion, but one of security and modern needs. According to him, the tank was now dilapidated, and if not demolished in time, a major accident could have occurred.
The BJP camp is calling the operation smart engineering and saying that today’s government is moving the country forward by working on new highways, airports, metros and modern infrastructure.
In fact, the debate is not limited to just one water tank. It has become a new example of the old question of inheritance versus development. While people are feeling proud of the construction of the past, the rapidly growing city demands safety, traffic and adaptation to new needs.
The truth is that the city has to change if it is to survive. Old structures, however strong, become risks over time. At the same time, it is important to respect the contributions of the past. The water tank in Ahmedabad is now in ruins, but the controversy over its collapse has left questions about the direction and thinking of development in the country.
