Rs 21 Crore Water Tank Collapses in Surat; Officials and Contractors Arrested

A newly constructed Rs 21 crore water tank in Tadkeshwar village, Surat, collapsed during a capacity test on January 19, injuring three labourers. The 15-metre-high tank was intended to supply water to 33-35 villages under the Gaypagla water scheme. Following the collapse, the Gujarat government suspended two engineers and arrested seven individuals, including contractors and officials, on charges of negligence and cheating. Investigations revealed use of substandard materials, prompting allegations of corruption and quality lapses.