Ahmedabad Rain Damage Relief Sees Just 75 Applications Despite Widespread Losses

Despite heavy rainfall on July 23 and 24 that caused rainwater to enter homes across several parts of the city, damaging household goods and other belongings, only 75 applications were received for rain damage relief offered through the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The deadline for submitting applications ended on September 30.

The low number of applications has raised questions, considering that several areas of the city were affected by the heavy rainfall. Notably, 58 of the 75 applications came from the North-West Zone, while the remaining six zones collectively accounted for just 17 applications.

The low response has also sparked discussions over whether a lack of publicity and clarity regarding the assistance discouraged affected residents from applying. Unlike announcements related to civic development projects, the relief scheme did not receive widespread publicity, raising concerns about how effectively information reached residents.

Standing Committee chairman Kamlesh Patel said applications had been invited to provide government assistance to citizens whose household goods and other belongings were damaged during the heavy rainfall in July. He confirmed that 75 applications had been received by the September 30 deadline.

North-West Zone accounts for 58 applications

The North-West Zone recorded the highest number of applications, while the Central and North zones received just one application each.

The zone-wise breakup is as follows:

Lack of clarity over relief process raises questions

The limited response has prompted questions about whether residents were adequately informed about the relief scheme. There was reportedly no widespread publicity by the civic authorities regarding the assistance available to those affected by the rainfall.

There were also questions about the form of assistance being offered. Residents were reportedly not given sufficient clarity on whether the compensation would be provided in cash, through tax concessions or in another form.

The uncertainty surrounding the nature of the relief and the application process may have led many affected residents to refrain from applying.

Residents may have borne losses themselves

The fact that only 75 applications were submitted despite reports of damage to household goods in several areas has raised concerns about whether many affected residents remained unaware of the scheme or chose not to apply.

The lack of adequate publicity and clarity regarding the relief process are among the possible reasons being discussed for the low number of applications. As a result, many residents may have had to bear the losses themselves.

The AMC will now scrutinise the applications received and verify the details of the reported damage. The amount of assistance to be provided to eligible applicants will be decided after the verification process.

Food safety checks planned at night-time eateries ahead of Navratri

In view of the upcoming Navratri and Diwali festivals, the AMC's Food Department has been directed to intensify inspections at food markets and eateries across the city, particularly those operating at night.

The Standing Committee has instructed officials to conduct checks at popular food destinations, including Law Garden, Manek Chowk, Paldi and the SG Highway. Inspections will also be carried out at food stalls set up during Navratri celebrations.

Demand for checks at firecracker shops

Meanwhile, the AMC's Estate Department has been sealing firecracker shops over issues related to Building Use (BU) permission and Fire Department No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).

Following the sealing of shops in the Raipur area over BU permission issues, a demand was raised at the Standing Committee meeting to inspect firecracker shops in the Delhi Darwaja area as well.

The committee was urged to ensure that the same rules are applied uniformly and that action is taken against shops that do not possess the required BU permissions.