SURAT: The water carrying capacity of the 60-km long canal and creeks that pass through the city has reduced by 50 per cent due to seepage, silt and everyday trash thrown into them by the people. Furthermore, the ground water levels in the city have gone down by at least 10 feet in the last 20 years.

"A need for lining the creeks and the canal to reduce seepage and increase the velocity of their flow was being felt for a long time," said Jatin Shah, city engineer, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Hence, SMC has taken a few steps to see that sewerage is not released into the creeks. The inlets from where sewerage is released into the creeks are being closed. Besides, Kankara and Mithi in Limbayat and Udhna are being beautified and their some portions lined, SMC sources said, adding that canal lining is expected to be shortly taken up by the irrigation department.

"The sewerage should not be allowed to flow into the creeks. Lining will help check seepage. Regular maintenance will take care of silting. However, covering the creeks and canal is not a solution," said AB Kanani, irrigation engineer, irrigation department, Surat.

JB Patel, head civil engineering department, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, said, "Lining will increase the carrying capacity of the canal, but evaporation will remain a concern. The authorities should take remedial measure that are site specific."

Lining will ensure reduction in water losses. It cannot eliminate the losses in full, but can help save loss by at least 60 per cent, experts said.