Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Seeks Answers on Dengue Surge, AQI Sensors and Waste Management Gaps

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner has sought explanations from civic departments over rising dengue cases, gaps in air quality monitoring and waste segregation, flagging shortcomings in the city’s pollution control and sanitation systems.

During a review meeting, officials faced questions about the registration of bulk waste generators, missing air quality sensor data, the absence of four-bin waste collection systems along the Sabarmati Riverfront and the spread of dengue.

The Commissioner directed departments to improve monitoring, strengthen pollution-control measures and ensure timely action on civic complaints.

5,399 of 5,848 Bulk Waste Generators Registered

Ahmedabad has identified 5,848 units generating more than 100 kg of waste daily, of which 5,399 have registered with the authorities.

The review examined whether all major waste generators, including wedding party plots and hospitals, had completed registration and maintained adequate disposal arrangements.

Officials were questioned over the limited hospital coverage in the assessment. Despite the large number of hospitals in the city, particularly in the north-west and south-west zones, only two hospitals were included.

The AMC said food waste from canteens at its hospitals was being collected. The Commissioner also stressed the need to improve awareness of wet and dry waste segregation among residents and sanitation workers.

Pirana AQI at 185, Sensor Data Under Scrutiny

Air pollution monitoring also came under scrutiny, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pirana recorded at 185. High pollution levels were reported in the airport area as well.

The Commissioner directed officials to step up water sprinkling to control construction dust and take action against sites violating pollution-control norms.

Questions were also raised about 100 air quality monitoring sensors expected from ISRO, as officials could not clearly state how many units had been received.

Of the three monitoring units installed by IIT Kanpur, the AMC was reportedly receiving data from only two.

The Commissioner questioned why data from all three machines was not available when payments were being made for the equipment. Officials were asked to ensure that the monitoring systems function properly and generate usable data.

Dengue Cases Rise, Health Department Asked to Explain

The Health Department was asked to explain the increase in dengue cases across Ahmedabad.

Officials referred to changes in the disease and the evolving nature of the virus, but specific figures showing the rise in cases were not provided during the review.

The civic administration is expected to examine the situation and assess whether existing prevention and control measures need to be strengthened.

No Four-Bin System Along Sabarmati Riverfront

Waste segregation arrangements along the Sabarmati Riverfront also drew questions during the meeting.

Officials acknowledged that four-bin waste collection systems had not been installed along the Riverfront, despite stating that around 2,000 such units had been installed elsewhere in the city.

The gap has prompted a review of waste segregation facilities in public spaces.

The Commissioner also raised questions about the selection criteria and attendance of members of Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs), directing officials to act under the applicable rules against members who remain absent for extended periods.

Water Leakage, Encroachments Among Other Civic Concerns

The review covered several other civic issues, including water leakage complaints, recurring grievances, street vending and encroachments around lakes.

Officials were directed to resolve pending complaints and improve coordination between departments.

The AMC has set a target of completing 100 projects within 100 days. The Commissioner instructed departments to work together to meet the deadline and ensure that residents’ complaints are addressed promptly.