Ahmedabad Demolition Policy 2026: 7-Day Prior Notice Mandatory, Workers Must Wear Helmets and Safety Gear

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has proposed a new demolition policy mandating seven days’ prior notice, safety barricades and protective equipment to safeguard workers and nearby residents during building demolition across the city.

The proposed Ahmedabad Sustainable Demolition Policy-2026 was approved by the Town Planning Committee on Wednesday. It will come into effect after approval from the Standing Committee and the General Board.

The policy seeks to regulate demolition activities linked to old buildings, redevelopment projects and infrastructure expansion, with specific provisions for worker safety, dust pollution control and scientific disposal of construction debris.

Five Categories of Demolition Sites Based on Building Size and Height

Under the proposed policy, demolition sites will be divided into five categories according to the built-up area and height of the structure. Each category will have separate requirements for documentation, technical supervision, safety arrangements and environmental protection.

The policy also defines the responsibilities of property owners, developers, applicants, contractors, demolition agencies, Corporation-registered engineers, structural engineers, clerks of works, debris transporters and authorised waste-processing facilities.

Town Planning Committee Chairman Bhagyesh Patel said redevelopment projects often create difficulties for the public. The committee has approved the policy to regulate such activities and establish clear accountability among those involved in demolition work.

Seven-Day Prior Notice to AMC Mandatory

Property owners or applicants undertaking demolition must submit written notification to the Estate and Town Development Department of the respective AMC zonal office at least seven days before work begins.

The application must include photographs of the building, details of its floor area, the existing use of the structure and other relevant information.

Depending on the site's category, applicants must also submit a structural assessment report, debris management plan and environmental and safety management plan.

Water, electricity and gas connections must be dealt with before demolition begins. The debris management plan must specify the estimated volume of waste, its classification, temporary storage arrangements, transportation, authorised processing and possibilities for reuse.

Safety Nets, Barricades and Helmets Compulsory

The proposed policy makes protective arrangements mandatory at demolition sites.

Barricades of adequate height, tarpaulins or windshields must be installed around the entire perimeter to prevent dust and debris from spreading to neighbouring properties and public areas. The structure must also be covered with green netting or dust-retardant material.

Safety nets will be compulsory during the demolition of upper floors of multi-storey buildings. Contractors must provide workers with personal protective equipment, including helmets, safety shoes and gloves.

Warning boards carrying messages such as 'Demolition Work in Progress', 'Danger' and 'Caution' must be displayed prominently so that they are visible from public roads.

Contractors must also ensure that demolition activities do not obstruct the movement of pedestrians and vehicles.

Demolition Restricted to Daytime Hours

The policy stipulates that demolition work can be carried out only during the daytime. However, adequate lighting must be maintained at the site during night hours.

Special precautions will be required during the demolition of basements and foundations. Contractors must use appropriate techniques, including shoring and shuttering arrangements, to prevent structural instability.

Measures must also be taken to avoid damage to drainage systems and other utility lines. Machinery-induced vibrations must not adversely affect neighbouring buildings.

Registered Engineers to Supervise Demolition

Demolition work must be carried out under the supervision of a Corporation-registered engineer or clerk of works and a registered structural engineer.

For sites falling under the highest category, supervision by a structural engineer of the corresponding category will be mandatory.

At large demolition sites, engineers must conduct inspections, photograph the structure before and after demolition and maintain records to demonstrate compliance with the prescribed safety requirements.

The environmental and safety management plan must cover potential hazards, first-aid facilities, emergency response procedures and traffic management arrangements.

Water Fogging and Dust Monitoring to Control Pollution

The policy also introduces measures to minimise airborne dust during demolition.

Dust barricades or windshields of the prescribed height must be installed at sites across all categories. Structures must be covered with green nets or dust-retardant materials.

Water must be sprayed before and after demolition, while water-fogging systems and dust-monitoring equipment must be installed to control and monitor pollution.

The proposed framework also regulates the storage, transportation, segregation and processing of demolition debris, encouraging the reuse of materials and preventing indiscriminate dumping.

Policy Awaits Standing Committee and General Board Approval

Although the Town Planning Committee has approved the Ahmedabad Sustainable Demolition Policy-2026, it is yet to receive final approval.

The policy will become effective after clearance from the AMC Standing Committee and General Board. Once implemented, property owners, developers and contractors will have to comply with its advance-notice, safety, engineering supervision and environmental requirements before starting demolition work.