Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s Health and Solid Waste Management Committee chairman Deepak Kumar Panchal has raised questions over the functioning of a road sweeper machine after recording a video that appeared to show it blowing dust into the air instead of removing it from the road.

The AMC deploys road sweeper machines across the city to clear dust and waste from roads and pays private agencies lakhs of rupees every month for their operation and maintenance.

Machine Blows Dust Instead of Cleaning Road

Panchal recently recorded and uploaded a video showing a road sweeper machine in operation at an undisclosed location in the city.

The machine was seen generating clouds of dust while operating on the road. Instead of effectively collecting the dust, the movement of the machine appeared to push or blow it into the air.

Motorists travelling through the area were reportedly affected as dust spread around the road, raising questions about whether the machine was performing its intended cleaning function.

Panchal questioned the concerned officials about the incident. Officials reportedly responded that the matter would be investigated.

The video has raised concerns because the machines are specifically deployed to reduce road dust, while their improper operation could potentially worsen dust levels for commuters and nearby residents.

AMC Spending More On Road Sweeping Machines

The issue has emerged at a time when the AMC is preparing to expand its fleet of road vacuum sweeping machines.

At the Health and Solid Waste Management Committee meeting held on August 10, approval was given for the purchase of 10 additional truck-mounted road vacuum sweeping machines for cleaning dust accumulated on city roads.

The AMC is expected to spend ₹ 10.26 crore on the machines.

Five machines will be procured from Permanent Solution Service, while the remaining five will be taken from Earthcare Management. Both agencies will also be responsible for operating the machines for five years.

Under the arrangement, the AMC will pay ₹ 13,000 per machine per day for the operation.

At that rate, the operating cost for one machine would work out to around ₹ 3.90 lakh for 30 days. For 10 machines, the monthly operational expenditure could therefore be around ₹ 39 lakh, excluding other applicable costs.

The chairman’s video has added a fresh question to the debate over whether the existing machines are being operated and maintained effectively.

Officials Asked To Examine Performance

The incident has also put the focus on the way road sweeper machines are being used on busy city roads.

If dust is merely being displaced rather than collected, the effectiveness of the cleaning exercise could be compromised. The problem could be particularly noticeable on roads with heavy traffic, where airborne dust can affect motorists, pedestrians and roadside businesses.

The response from officials that the matter would be investigated is now likely to be followed by an assessment of the machine’s operation and maintenance.

Sweet Traders Seek Clarity Over Testing Kits

Meanwhile, the AMC Food Department has issued instructions to sweet traders to keep on-the-spot food testing kits at their establishments during the festive season.

However, the directive has reportedly left some traders confused about where the kits should be purchased and whether a separate licence would be required for the chemicals used for testing.

In-charge Additional Medical Officer of Health Tejash Shah clarified that traders do not need to obtain a separate licence to keep an on-the-spot testing kit at their units.

AMC To Guide Traders On Testing Kits

Shah said traders would also be provided information about where testing kits and the chemicals required for them can be obtained.

According to the AMC, traders will have the freedom to purchase the kits or required chemicals from a source of their choice.

Food Department officials will guide traders through the process and provide the necessary information regarding the use and procurement of the kits.

The testing initiative has been introduced ahead of increased demand for sweets and other food products during the festive season, with the civic body stepping up checks against possible food adulteration.