WAPA’s Growth Story: Transforming Western Ahmedabad

WAPA — Western Ahmedabad Peripheral Area — has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. Once a stretch of semi-urban and rural villages on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, WAPA today stands as a prime example of sustainable urban expansion. It represents how coordinated infrastructure development, especially in the form of reliable water supply, can serve as a catalyst for large-scale real estate and economic growth.

With the help of initiatives like the Western Ahmedabad Water Supply Scheme, this region has evolved from dependence on borewell groundwater to receiving purified Narmada water, thereby improving the quality of life, boosting real estate, and aligning with Gujarat’s broader urbanization goals.

The Basics of WAPA

The term WAPA covers a zone that once comprised around 35 AUDA (Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority) villages located west of the old city, along and beyond SG Highway, SP Ring Road, and adjacent belts. These areas have now been absorbed into the AMC (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation) limits due to the rapid pace of urbanization. Some notable areas within WAPA include Shela, South Bopal, Ghuma, Gota, Chharodi, Shilaj, and more.

Until the mid-2000s, most households in WAPA relied on groundwater — often high in TDS and unsuitable for drinking. The situation demanded long-term and sustainable infrastructure intervention.

The Western Ahmedabad Water Supply Scheme

To address these challenges, AUDA initiated the Western Ahmedabad Water Supply Scheme in 2006, which aimed to supply treated Narmada water to over 2 million people by 2031.

Key Features:

1. Water Source: Narmada Canal via Jaspur Water Treatment Plant

2. Initial Capacity: 275 MLD (Million Litres per Day)

3. Future Capacity: Expandable to 400–600 MLD

4. Network: Over 500 km of pipelines (MS, DI, and PVC)

5. Infrastructure: 30 underground tanks, 22 elevated storage tanks, 97 pumping stations (~8,500 kW), 9 new distribution stations under AMC expansion

6. Coverage Area: ~81 sq km

The Socio-Economic Impact

The arrival of treated water supply into WAPA has had far-reaching effects:

1. Improved Public Health: Reduction in waterborne illnesses due to access to treated water.

2. Real Estate Boom: The consistent water supply encouraged developers to launch large-scale residential and commercial projects.

3. Infrastructure Growth: Roads, schools, hospitals, and shopping complexes soon followed the water pipelines.

4. Employment Generation: Construction, retail, and services witnessed growth due to migration and new settlements.

Current Challenges and Opportunities

While WAPA has made significant strides, challenges persist:

1. Demand-Supply Gap: Current demand is outpacing supply; future needs may exceed 1,000 MLD by 2045.

2. Pressure Imbalance: Some areas still experience low water pressure or limited supply hours.

3. Groundwater Reliance: Certain households still depend on borewells due to distribution gaps.

4. Need for Rainwater Harvesting: WAPA must integrate sustainable recharge solutions for long-term balance.

Despite these challenges, WAPA is positioned to become a blueprint for urban integration in Gujarat’s expanding cities.

WAPA in Gujarat’s Urbanization Vision

Gujarat’s success with WAPA fits into its State Water Grid Vision, connecting urban and rural regions to central water sources like the Narmada. The development is aligned with:

1. Sabarmati Riverfront & Vasna Barrage: Groundwater recharge and urban beautification.

2. AUDA-AMC Coordination: Seamless inclusion of peripheral zones into core city services.

3. Smart Infrastructure Models: Integration of water supply with roads, drainage, and urban planning.

WAPA exemplifies how Gujarat is moving from reactive water management to proactive, inclusive, and sustainable urban infrastructure development.

Bottom Line

WAPA’s growth story is not just about pipelines and pumping stations — it’s about transforming how a city expands equitably. Through the extension of the Narmada water supply, the area has moved from the fringes of Ahmedabad’s map to its very heart. It serves as a microcosm of Gujarat’s larger ambition: creating resilient urban ecosystems that combine public utility, real estate growth, and inclusive living.

In case of any query regarding WAPA’s Growth Story: Transforming Western Ahmedabad feel free to connect with our legal experts, Tulja Legal, at +91 96380-69905

About the Author

Anju S Nair

Legal Researcher | LLB, MA English| Corporate Lawyer | Business Enthusiast | Founder & CEO at iLawbook.

FAQs

1. What is WAPA and where is it located?

WAPA refers to Western Ahmedabad Peripheral Area, encompassing former AUDA zones west of Ahmedabad city including Shela, South Bopal, Shilaj, etc.

2. Why was WAPA water infrastructure needed?

Rapid urban growth outpaced traditional groundwater sources, prompting the need for Narmada canal-based treated water.

3. What is the main source of water for WAPA now?

WAPA receives treated Narmada water from the Jaspur Water Treatment Plant.

4. When was the Western Ahmedabad Water Supply Scheme launched?

It began in 2006, with an initial supply of 275 MLD.

5. What infrastructure was created under this scheme?

Over 500 km of pipelines, multiple storage tanks, pumping stations, and extended coverage across 35 zones.

6. How many people does the scheme serve?

It is designed to serve 2 million people by 2031, covering an area of 81 sq km.

7. What is the current water supply level in WAPA?

About 200 MLD is supplied daily, with upcoming expansions to boost capacity.

8. How has this impacted real estate?

It led to a surge in real estate demand, with numerous affordable and luxury housing projects mushrooming across the region.

9. What are some of the expansion plans?

AMC is expanding Jaspur WTP to 400–600 MLD and setting up 9 new pumping stations.

10. What’s WAPA’s importance in Gujarat’s growth?

WAPA is a model of urban-rural integration, sustainable water delivery, and infrastructure-led urbanization in Gujarat.

References

1. MMCPL – Project Report:
   Western Ahmedabad Water Supply Scheme

2. GWP Case Study on Ahmedabad:
   Global Water Partnership – Ahmedabad Progress Case Study

3. Times of India Reports:

   • City’s Western Areas to Get Improved Water Supply

   • West Zone to Require 1,000+ MLD by 2045

4. Houssed Real Estate Guide:
   WAPA – Ahmedabad Property Insights

5. Only New Property Index:
   New Projects in WAPA

6. Wikipedia:

   • Sabarmati Riverfront

   • Vasna Barrage

7. State Water Grid – The Live Ahmedabad:
   Gujarat Drinking Water Expansion

8. Dr. Rajiv Gupta – Urban Planning Reports:
   Professional Experience – Urban Water Management

9. Reddit User Community Feedback:

   • Reddit: WAPA Growth Concerns

   • Reddit: Chharodi Water Pressure Issues