Sarkhej Ward Work Hit as Engineers Go on Leave; Councillor Raises Staff Shortage Concerns

Development and repair work in Ahmedabad’s Sarkhej ward has reportedly slowed down amid a shortage of engineers and the absence of key officials during the ongoing monsoon season.

Sarkhej ward councillor Rajendra Shukla has written to Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the South-West Zone, alleging that the absence of one Assistant City Engineer and two Assistant Engineers has affected civic work in the area.

According to the councillor, road repairs and work related to waterlogging have been delayed, causing inconvenience to residents during the monsoon. He also alleged that some officials were acting arbitrarily and that the shortage of staff had brought several public works to a standstill.

Complaint Against Assistant Engineer

Shukla has also raised questions over the working style of Sarkhej Ward Assistant Engineer Brijesh Patel. In his letter, the councillor alleged that Patel undertakes only certain types of work and avoids other responsibilities.

The councillor has demanded that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation appoint adequate engineering staff in Sarkhej ward, which covers approximately 33 square kilometres.

Engineer Shortage Raised in AMC Standing Committee

The shortage of engineers in large AMC wards was also recently discussed in a Standing Committee meeting. Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel reportedly acknowledged that several large wards have fewer engineers, while smaller wards have been allocated a similar number of staff.

The disparity, he said, has contributed to delays in civic work across larger areas. Officials were directed to fill vacant posts at the earliest.

Letter to Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the South-West Zone