EXCLUSIVE: Serious Negligence in AMC: Tax Department Generates Bills for Demolished Houses

A shocking case has emerged highlighting the severe lack of coordination within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) administration. Earlier this year in January, the AMC's Estate Department conducted a massive "mega demolition drive" to reclaim the Vanar Vat Lake in the Vatva area from encroachments. During this large-scale operation, approximately 500 residential and commercial units were razed to the ground, and the land was fully cleared.

Despite this highly publicized mega drive, the Corporation's Tax Department appears to have remained completely unaware of the development. They have continued to generate property tax bills for these properties—even though the structures were demolished seven months ago and no longer exist. This gross negligence has resulted in a farcical situation for the affected residents.

The Issue Raised in the Standing Committee

This internal administrative lapse was raised forcefully during the Standing Committee meeting held last Thursday. Committee members raised sharp questions regarding this lack of coordination. Taking the matter seriously, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel has issued strict instructions to officials from both the Tax and Estate departments. He ordered both departments to establish proper coordination and resolve the issue immediately. Furthermore, he warned them to ensure that such blunders and negligence are never repeated in the future.

Accountability and Calls for Justice

Congress leader Rajesh T. Soni, who brought this entire issue to light, stated that the functioning of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has been fully exposed. "Seven months ago, the shanties of families living at Vanar Vat Lake were demolished, and yet today, property tax bills are being generated for those same families. This is not just an administrative error; it is a live example of the system's grave negligence and insensitivity. On one hand, the roof is snatched away from the poor, and on the other, taxes are demanded for houses that no longer exist—this shows not the efficiency of the administration, but its failure. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation must immediately cancel all these tax bills, fix accountability for the responsible officials, and take steps to provide justice to the affected families."