Unkind nature and human hands have jointly drowned Surat and its textile and diamond business that may take quite sometime recover.
Both the sectors have been the 'heart and feet' of Surat which has been rated among the best of Indian cities since its 'makeover' in the early 'dangued days of '80s.'
Swollen river Tapi, whose banks line up the city have lost traces that now extend beyond the geographical outskirts in its suburbs at Pandesara and Sachin.
Known textile and diamond locations like Varachha Road, Ved Road, Katar Gam, Pipodra have all submerged in more than 10 feet waters, when reports last came in.
As per S P Verma, Deputy Director, Office of the Textile's Commissioner, Ahmedabad, powerlooms of these areas that comprise 60 percent of the total textile processing units of this famed 'silk' city, have come to a standstill.
There are about 350,000 small scale powerloom units of which about 200,000 units along with innumerable diamond polishing units, alone make up for the city's financial backbone.
Though rains have relented, 'belated' release of water from the Ukai Dam located about 85 kms upstream, caused this unavoidable tragedy though least harm to lives has been reported so far.
Industry insiders place daily loss worth Rs5-600 million alone for textile processing units from the area.
For the diamond units that operate from dark and dingy quarters from and beyond Varachha Road, the loss can be any body's guess!
With people living atop third or higher floors in multistoreyed complexes or rooftops; no water to drink nor food to eat, the undying and spirited Surits will live another with a prayer on their lips, till the waters recede.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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