AMC Steeply Hikes Encroachment Release Charges in Ahmedabad Ahead of Commonwealth Games, Introduces Daily Storage Fees After 90 Days

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has proposed a major hike in administrative charges for releasing seized handcarts, counters, and commercial equipment as part of an aggressive drive to clear city roads and footpaths ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Under the new proposal framed by the Estate Department, vendors who fail to reclaim their confiscated goods within 90 days will also face daily storage penalties.

The civic body's Town Planning Committee Chairman, Bhagyesh Patel, confirmed that the revised penalty structure replaces rates that had remained unchanged since 2003. Estate Department teams regularly confiscate obstructive stalls, handcarts, and non-operational items across various zones, shifting them to designated AMC yards. Civic officials noted that nominal historic charges failed to deter repeat offenders, who often placed stalls back on the same footpaths immediately after paying minimal release fees.

Revised Penalties for Seized Vendors and Equipment

The new proposal sets out updated release charges across various categories of confiscated goods:

• Sugarcane Machines: ₹3,000 release charge.
• Large Ferris Wheels: ₹5,000 release charge; small ferris wheels fixed at ₹2,000.
• Mechanical Carts: ₹2,000 for regular units; ₹1,800 for scrap condition.
• Handcarts: ₹1,500 for loaded carts; ₹1,100 for empty handcarts; scrap units ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
• Bullock and Camel Carts: ₹2,000 release charge.
• Roof/Flat Counters & Gas Cylinders: ₹1,000 per unit.
• Benches and Cots: ₹400 per item.
• Gas Stoves and Weighing Scales: ₹200 per item.

90-Day Deadline and Daily Storage Charges Introduced

To address long-term clutter in municipal holding yards, the Estate Department has mandated a strict 90-day window for vendors to reclaim seized property. If items remain unclaimed after 90 days, AMC will institute a daily storage fee for the entire extended period.

Addressing concerns regarding perishable goods, Chairman Bhagyesh Patel clarified that Estate Department teams have been instructed to immediately hand back edible items, including fruits and vegetables, to vendors at the time of seizure.

Meanwhile, municipal sources highlighted lingering concerns over enforcement practices. Civic watchers point out that while release charges are being increased to curb street encroachments, fears remain that higher official penalties could inadvertently drive up illegal extortion demands by field staff.

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