Naranpura Diaphragm Wall Collapse: AMC Cancels Builder's Permit, Seals Sales Office After 48 Families Forced Out

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has swung into action following a massive cave-in at a redevelopment site in Naranpura's Parasnagar, cancelling the builder's development permission (Raja Chitthi) and sealing the site's sales office on 25 July. The swift civic crackdown comes after a diaphragm wall collapsed during heavy rains at the Surya Vibhag-2 redevelopment project, putting around 200 residents across 48 families from neighbouring Karnavati Vibhag-2 and Laxmikrupa Apartments at immediate risk of structural disaster.

The dangerous collapse forced terrified residents to evacuate their homes overnight. With their safety hanging by a thread, several displaced families have taken temporary shelter with relatives, while others were forced to spend the night at the Gujarat Housing Board hall near Pragatinagar.

AMC Orders Immediate Infilling Of Hazardous Basement

Recognising the severe structural hazard created by the collapse, AMC’s West Zone Estate Department revoked the construction approval on 24 July, halting all ongoing work at the site. Following up on 25 July, civic officials clamped down on the site office, sealing the developer's sales premises and issuing strict instructions to urgently fill the deep, high-risk basement excavation with soil to prevent further soil erosion and structural instability in the surrounding buildings.

Residents Allege Official Inaction Despite Month-Old Warning

Local residents revealed that the disaster was entirely preventable, disclosing that a formal written complaint regarding shoddy diaphragm wall construction had been submitted to the Gujarat Housing Board as early as 22 June. However, no preventative action was taken over the following month, leading directly to the collapse.

The redevelopment work is being executed by Bhavna Property Developer Limited. Displaced residents and community leaders have pointed to political clout, alleging that the developer—a former Congress corporator who later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—enjoyed protection that led authorities to ignore blatant safety violations.

Highlighting the extent of negligence, local representative Amit Patel expressed sharp outrage, revealing that the developer had not only compromised structural quality but had also illegally encroached upon the public access road by setting up tin sheds for labourers. The illegal encroachment has completely blocked the street, making it impossible for emergency vehicles like ambulances or fire tenders to enter the area.

Outrage Over Temporary Shelter And Rent Relief

While civic authorities have moved to stop construction, displaced families face uncertainty over immediate accommodation and financial support. Public anger flared further after local MLA Jitu Bhagat responded to queries regarding temporary rental assistance by stating that residents would "have to approach the court for rent."

The unsympathetic stance has triggered intense resentment among the homeless families, who are demanding immediate shelter arrangements and compensation from the developer and responsible civic bodies.