Ahmedabad Lakes Remain Filthy Despite ₹8 Crore Annual Cleaning Bill

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) spends an estimated ₹7-8 crore every year on cleaning and maintaining lakes, yet several water bodies across the city continue to struggle with weeds, algae and mosquito breeding during the monsoon.

The issue came to the fore during inspections conducted by Health and Solid Waste Management Committee Chairman Deepak Kumar Panchal, who reportedly found several lakes in poor condition. He questioned officials over the delay in cleaning and spraying insecticides despite the increased risk of mosquito breeding during the rainy season.

Weeds, algae and mosquitoes found at several lakes

Panchal said that during his inspection rounds, he found weeds growing in several lakes following rainfall, along with mosquito infestations in some areas. He said photographs and videos of the conditions were shown to officials and instructions were issued to ensure immediate cleaning.

At RC Technical Lake, a mosquito menace was reportedly observed, but insecticide spraying had not been carried out. At Yadudi Lake, development work is underway, yet weeds have reportedly not been cleared. Chenpur Lake was also found to have significant weed growth.

Officials have been instructed to undertake cleaning work and address mosquito breeding conditions at the affected water bodies.

Questions over AMC's own mosquito-control measures

The situation has raised questions about the civic body's approach to mosquito control. During the monsoon, the AMC Health Department conducts inspections at construction sites and commercial establishments to prevent mosquito breeding. Establishments where mosquito larvae are found can face hefty fines and even sealing action.

However, residents and civic officials have now questioned why similar preventive measures are allegedly not being implemented effectively at AMC-managed lakes, where stagnant water, weeds and algae can create favourable conditions for mosquitoes.

Crores spent, but lake maintenance remains a concern

The reported annual expenditure of ₹7-8 crore on lake cleaning and maintenance has also brought the quality of the work and cleaning contracts under scrutiny.

Despite the spending, the presence of overgrown weeds, algae and mosquitoes during the monsoon has caused inconvenience to residents living around several lakes.

The latest inspections have therefore raised questions over whether the cleaning and maintenance work is being carried out on time and whether the money being spent is translating into effective upkeep of the city's water bodies.