Ahmedabad: Heavy rain and widespread waterlogging forced traders across Ahmedabad to keep shops shut on Friday, with basement establishments suffering extensive damage as floodwater inundated commercial complexes, damaged stock and disrupted business activity.Trade bodies said several markets in western Ahmedabad and parts of the walled city remained partially or completely shut as traders struggled to reach their establishments. In many areas, water entered shops and godowns, while waterlogged roads prevented customers and employees from accessing commercial hubs, leading to significant business losses.Gaurang Bhagat, president of Shree Maskati Mahajan, said several shops in the New Cloth Market were flooded. “The water has now receded, but many traders and customers from western Ahmedabad could not reach the market because roads remained submerged,” he said.One of the worst-hit locations was the Indraprasth Complex in the Drive-In area, where floodwater entered the basement and affected around 45 shops. Mobile phone outlets, pan parlours, garment stores, cafes and stationery shops reported extensive damage after water entered their premises and storage areas.
Traders hit
Saurabh Gupta, a shop owner at the complex, claimed that traders did not receive assistance despite repeated requests. “We called AMC on Thursday after water flooded the complex, but no one came to assess the situation. We pay property tax regularly, but when we are in trouble, there is no help,” he said.Gupta estimated the average loss at around Rs 20 lakh per shop, adding that traders had to arrange pumps and remove water themselves to salvage whatever stock they could.Trade associations said they were collecting reports from markets across the city as more businesses reported damage to inventory, furniture and infrastructure. In several commercial areas, water remained accumulated outside shops on Friday, restricting access, delaying reopening and extending the disruption caused by the two days of intense rain.
