Icchapore Pond

📍 Location & Locality

• Ichchhapor is a neighborhood in Surat, about 6–7 km west of central Surat (near Pal Gam, Adajan Gam) and falls under West Rander zone of Surat Municipal Corporation.
• Postal code is 396350 for Ichchhapore area.
• Under Surat Municipal, there's a civic center located at Motifali, next to Sharda Vidyalaya, servicing this area.

🏞️ The Pond Itself

• A village pond in Ichchapore acts as a communal and ritual site.
• The pond is known locally for having a statue of Lord Shiva in its center, making it a focal point for morning visits, birdwatching, and spiritual ceremonies.
• Surrounding vegetation attracts local birds, adding natural charm as noted in social media observations .

⚠️ Safety Incidents

• July 12, 2020: Two youths, aged 19 and 21, tragically drowned in this pond around 10 AM while swimming; rescue teams took nearly three hours to retrieve their bodies.
• Earlier, on July 10, 2009, two devotees lost their lives performing a religious ritual at the pond when water overflowed after heavy rains.

🏗️ Civic Amenities & Planning

• The neighborhood comes under West Zone (Rander) ward services, with a functioning civic center nearby for Slum services, water meter issues, rental, etc.
• Broader development plans (under SUDA and Resilient Cities Network) include infrastructure improvements such as new roads, river barrages, water-sports facilities, and recreational zones that may connect the Tapi River corridor through Ichhapore.

🌿 Community Use

• The pond functions as more than a water body—it's a religious and social hub. The central Shiva statue serves as a spiritual anchor for locals and morning gatherings .
• It offers a quiet ambiance for birdwatchers and walkers, according to local photos and reel videos.

Amenities at Icchapore Pond, Surat

• 🕉️ Central Shiva Statue – Located in the middle of the pond, attracting spiritual visitors
• 🪷 Calm Sitting Area – Informal spots where locals sit and relax during mornings
• 🐦 Birdwatching Zone – Natural surroundings with occasional migratory birds
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking Path Nearby – Unpaved but used by morning walkers and locals
• 🌳 Greenery & Trees – Some shaded areas with native trees for cooling and ambiance
• 🛐 Ritual Access Points – Areas for small-scale religious or seasonal rituals
• 🚰 Nearby Drinking Water (Public Tap) – Available in the surrounding area (not directly inside)
• 🚮 Basic Waste Bins – Scattered bins may be present depending on local civic efforts
• 🚻 Public Toilets (Nearby) – Available in the Ichchhapor area, not specific to the pond
• 📷 Photography Spot – Popular for nature reels and local content creators
• 🛕 Nearby Temples – Local temples close to the pond enhance spiritual visits
• 📶 Mobile Network Availability – Good signal coverage for all major networks

⚠️ Important Observations

IssueDetailSafetyTragic drownings in 2009 and 2020 highlight deep and potentially unsafe conditions. Sticky mud and lack of safety measures were cited in the 2020 incident. Need for Infrastructure Given its cultural value and popular use, the pond would benefit immensely from safety improvements—signage, fencing, dredging, steps, and lifebuoys.

✅ Summary

Ichchapore Pond is a culturally significant local landmark with spiritual, social, and natural appeal, centered by a Shiva statue. It's administered by Surat’s West Zone civic authority. However, the lack of safety infrastructure led to unfortunate drownings. Upcoming urban development plans present an opportunity to enhance connectivity and amenities, though specific upgrades to the pond haven’t been confirmed.

🛠️ Recommendations

1. Day-trippers & locals: Be cautious—avoid swimming and stay away from the center and steep edges.
2. Citizens or activists: You might engage the Surat Municipal Corporation to install safety rails, clear signage, ladders, and emergency equipment.
3. Surat Municipality: Incorporate the pond into broader Tapi Riverfront development—could add walking paths, improved access, bird-watching spots, and lighting.