AMC staff probing water contamination face fierce protest from Shahibaug residents

Tensions flared in Shahibaug ward on Monday after local residents of Bhogilal ni Chali allegedly confronted civic staff engaged in rectification work aimed at resolving persistent water pollution complaints in the area.

According to officials, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had been carrying out extensive maintenance and inspection work over the past week following repeated complaints of contaminated water supply from residents of the locality.

As part of the exercise, civic teams undertook drainage line de-choking operations and deployed specialised recycling and jetting machinery to clear blockages. CCTV-based pipeline inspections were also conducted to identify faults in the underground network. Additional maintenance work was carried out inside residential lanes and internal stretches of the settlement. Earlier, washout operations had also been undertaken to flush the water distribution system.

However, as complaints of polluted water continued, AMC teams intensified their investigation. Officials disconnected a 100-mm diameter pipeline in the first lane of the locality to examine water flow and trace the source of contamination. Further checks were conducted by isolating pipeline sections in adjoining lanes and inspecting sewer connections. Desilting operations were also carried out as part of the investigation.

Civic officials stated that water samples collected during the inspections showed chlorine levels within the prescribed range, indicating that the treated water supply itself was not contaminated.

On June 8, AMC personnel visited the site again to assess water pressure and review the status of pollution-related complaints. During the visit, a group of local residents allegedly staged a strong protest, resulting in heated arguments with municipal staff. Officials further alleged that some residents resorted to physical altercations, verbal abuse and intimidation.

According to AMC sources, keys of official vehicles were allegedly taken away by protesters during the confrontation. At the time of reporting, one municipal vehicle and staff members were still present at the site as repair work continued.

To ensure uninterrupted supply to residents, water tankers were deployed in the area during the morning hours. AMC officials said work to reconnect and repair water supply lines was continuing and that efforts were being made to restore normal services at the earliest.

Municipal authorities are expected to review the incident and assess further measures required to address both the infrastructure issues and the law-and-order concerns arising during the operation.