Ahmedabad Collector’s Office Footpath Row: Parking Space for 108 Ambulances Sparks Questions Over ‘Shriji Chaiwale’ Benefit

A new footpath outside Ahmedabad Collector’s Office has triggered a local controversy after roadside space used for parking vehicles and 108 ambulances was dug up for construction.

The work, reportedly underway for the past two days, has drawn objections from local residents who claim the new footpath could benefit a nearby tea shop, ‘Shriji Chaiwale’.

Parking Space Dug Up For Footpath

The area outside the District Collector’s Office, along the road leading towards the Collector’s compound, was being used for parking 108 ambulances as well as vehicles belonging to citizens visiting the office.

Residents said the existing roadside space has now been excavated and a wide, raised footpath is being constructed.

They fear the work will eliminate parking space used by citizens and could also affect the area where emergency ambulances are parked.

Locals Question Alleged Benefit To Tea Shop

The controversy centres on the proximity of the proposed footpath to a ‘Shriji Chaiwale’ outlet.

Residents have alleged that the construction could directly benefit the private tea unit by removing parking and creating a larger paved area outside the shop.

Some locals have claimed that the work was undertaken following a recommendation from a local corporator and that funds from the corporator’s grant may have been allocated for the project.

However, there has been no official clarification confirming these allegations or establishing that the work was sanctioned specifically to benefit the tea outlet.

Complaints Reportedly Sent To CM And PM

Residents have raised questions over why public-use space was selected for the footpath when it was being used for vehicle parking.

They have also reportedly complained to the Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister, seeking scrutiny of the construction and its impact on public parking and ambulance access.

The residents are seeking clarity on the approval, funding and purpose of the project.

Allegations Of Unauthorised Tree Trimming

Another issue has emerged around trees located near the tea shop.

Locals have alleged that branches of trees in the area were trimmed without the required permission. They have questioned whether the authorities will take action if the allegations are found to be correct.

No official statement confirming unauthorised tree trimming has been provided in the information available.

Earlier Controversy In Shastrinagar

The operator of ‘Shriji Chaiwale’ had also faced controversy earlier over a unit in Ahmedabad’s Shastrinagar area.

A public toilet located near the shop was reportedly demolished without Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation permission. Following the incident, the operator was reportedly made to submit a written apology before a BJP leader.

The public toilet was subsequently rebuilt at the operator’s expense, according to the account of the earlier dispute.

The latest controversy has now prompted questions over the use of public space, parking arrangements and the decision-making behind the footpath project outside the Collector’s Office.