Chaos At AMC Nikol Lok Darbar: Angry Residents Demand Action On Encroachments, Housing Frauds And Fire Safety Hazards

A public grievance meeting organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in the Nikol ward of the Daskroi assembly constituency turned chaotic as angry residents disrupted proceedings, alleging that civic officials and political leaders were cherry-picking questions from select individuals while ignoring genuine public anger.

The Lok Darbar, intended as a direct bridge between taxpayers and local governance, degenerated into sharp arguments when attendees realised they were being denied the microphone. As frustrated citizens rushed toward the dais to demand answers on broken roads, poor water supply, non-functional streetlights, and rampant encroachments, senior BJP office-bearers were forced to step off the stage to pacify the agitated crowd.

Unchecked Encroachments And Fire Safety Violations

A major point of contention raised by residents was the worsening traffic congestion on main roads caused by illegal food stalls, pushcarts, and vegetable markets. The crowd voiced severe resentment over designated food parks allotted by the civic body, pointing out that these zones have turned into public nuisances.

In a startling disclosure, locals raised serious safety concerns regarding a prominent food plot along the Nikol Ring Road. Protesters claimed that over 200 commercial LPG gas cylinders are being operated at the site without basic fire safety measures or valid clearances. Residents directly questioned who would take accountability in the event of a industrial fire tragedy, alleging that civic officials were turning a blind eye due to political nexus with local politicians.

Substandard Construction And Illegal Allotments In Public Housing

Civic corruption allegations dominated the floor, particularly surrounding the government housing projects across the East Zone. A local applicant, Kalpesh Patel, publicly called out officials over widespread irregularities in housing allocation.

"You have given us housing schemes in Nikol by the bucketload, but 50 per cent of the residents living there are not actual beneficiaries—they are illegal tenants," Patel asserted, urging authorities not to discriminate between the East and West zones of Ahmedabad.

Another resident, Jigar Kachhadiya, pointed to structural defects in the housing scheme near Sankalp School, alleging blatant corruption during construction. "Go inspect the buildings yourself—a single mild earth tremor could lead to massive casualties," Kachhadiya warned, stating that East Zone AMC officers repeatedly ignore written complaints.

Mayor Promises Action As Political Leaders Step In To Control Damage

The meeting was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Daskroi MLA Babu Jamnadas Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, senior BJP leader Gordhan Zadafia, alongside local ward councillors and AMC officers.

Addressing the uproar, Mayor Hitesh Barot defended the initiative, assuring citizens that every oral and written grievance would be addressed. He highlighted that essential community projects, including new school buildings and a modern crematorium, are currently progressing well in Nikol.

"The commotion occurred because several residents stood up simultaneously to present their issues at once," Mayor Barot stated. "We have listened to everyone who came forward, and we will ensure all genuine grievances are resolved in a time-bound manner."