AMC Commissioner Orders Sealing of Polluting Construction Sites, Seizure of Vehicles Over 15 Years Old

Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani has ordered the sealing of construction sites violating pollution norms and the seizure of vehicles older than 15 years during a review meeting on civic administration and pollution control on Wednesday.

The Commissioner issued the directives in the presence of officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), while expressing displeasure over the performance of Deputy Commissioners and other officials.

Construction sites found violating regulations in the Airport and Raikhad areas have been directed to be sealed. Pani also called for coordinated action by the concerned departments to curb pollution across Ahmedabad.

Commissioner Reprimands Deputy Commissioners Over Poor Performance

During the meeting, Pani questioned the working methods of Deputy Commissioners and expressed dissatisfaction with the way civic issues were being handled.

He reportedly remarked that several problems had not been brought to his attention during the tenures of the previous Deputy Commissioners.

The review covered pollution control, public transport facilities, encroachments, public toilet maintenance and solid waste management.

4,500 Bus Stops to Get Markings

To improve traffic discipline and streamline public transport, the Commissioner directed officials to expedite line-marking work at 4,500 bus stops across the city.

The markings are intended to ensure that buses stop only at designated locations, preventing unnecessary traffic congestion and disruption on roads.

Show-Cause Notices for Officials Over Encroachments

The Commissioner also reviewed the removal of encroachments obstructing underground utility networks and roads around vegetable markets.

He warned that officials who failed to clear such encroachments would face show-cause notices. Accountability would also be fixed for officers found negligent in carrying out their responsibilities.

Officials Pulled Up Over Poor Public Toilet Maintenance

The meeting began with a presentation on the condition of public toilet blocks across Ahmedabad. Several shortcomings were identified, including in the East Zone.

Problems included poor painting, damaged doors and windows, inadequate lighting and pipeline-related issues.

Pani reprimanded Deputy Commissioners for failing to take strict action against contractors responsible for maintaining these facilities. He also instructed officials to remove encroachments around public toilets.

The AMC plans to construct 52 new public toilet blocks, with 27 locations already identified. Officials have been directed to speed up the tender process so construction can begin.

A vigilance team will also survey smart toilets across the city to assess their actual condition.

76% Waste Segregation Achieved Across Ahmedabad

During the solid waste management review, officials reported that 76% of the city's waste was being segregated. The digitisation process under the waste management system is also nearing completion.

Under the AMC's 'Samvedna' initiative, vehicles will collect reusable items from housing societies and malls that generate large quantities of waste. These items will subsequently be distributed to needy and economically disadvantaged families.

Over 2,000 Books to Be Distributed to Sanitation Workers' Children

The meeting also covered civic awareness and educational initiatives.

More than 2,000 books collected during a book fair will be distributed among children of sanitation workers associated with the Municipal Sanitation Workers' Welfare Board.

The Commissioner also directed officials to organise civic responsibility training for students in municipal schools as well as their parents. The initiative aims to encourage civic awareness and responsible behaviour among families from an early age.