Surat: Four days of relentless flooding have not only disrupted daily life across Surat but also severely impacted the city's economic mainstays— the textile and diamond. Business owners and trade leaders have reported heavy financial losses due to waterlogging, production halts, and blocked transportation routes.Unlike previous years, when floodwaters were mostly confined to creekside areas, this year saw widespread inundation across various parts of the city following Monday's heavy downpour. While some areas saw water levels recede, others remained waterlogged well into Thursday, prolonging the crisis.In industrial zones such as Simada, Varachha, and Katargam, flooding prevented workers from reaching diamond polishing units.

"Many of my workers couldn't make it to work. Those who did were mentally and physically drained. Production remained hit for three days," said a local diamond unit owner.Traffic congestion compounded the problem. "It took workers from the outskirts nearly three hours to reach their units—one way. Many simply didn't report to work," said Dinesh Navadiya, chairman of the Indian Diamond Industry (IDI). "With water levels high in many areas, people chose to stay indoors."

The textile sector, too, suffered a significant blow. Champalal Bothra, chairman of the Textile and Garment Committee at CAIT, said, "Every year, Surat's textile industry faces losses due to flooding. This affects not just traders, but also those involved in value addition, packaging, and transportation."Bothra expressed concern over the long-term reputation of the city in the eyes of buyers. "Buyers now view Surat cautiously.

Our credibility is at stake, and even locals are losing patience," he said.While textile goods in basements suffered damage, the larger concern was operational losses. "Shops and warehouses on ground floors were mostly spared, but businesses in some areas remained shut for two to three days," said Kailash Hakim, president of FOSTTA Forum. "If this continues every year, the administration must step in with a permanent solution."The transportation of textile goods also came to a standstill. "In the Kumbhariya, Parvat, and Saroli areas, roads were submerged. Not a single truck moved out till Wednesday," said Yuvraj Desle, president of Surat Textile Goods Transport Association. "Only on Thursday did 60 trucks leave. The situation is gradually improving."