Illegal use of government housing exposed in Ahmedabad, two LIG units sealed

Ahmedabad has once again witnessed a glaring example of large-scale misuse of government housing. In a major crackdown, the vigilance team of the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has exposed a housing-related scam in the Science City area.

During an inspection at the LIG-19 housing scheme, it was found that government-allotted houses were being illegally used as paying guest (PG) accommodations. Following the discovery, AMC sealed house no 305 and 105 for running an unauthorised PG.

What has raised serious questions is that despite earlier inspections by the Estate Department, the illegal PG operations continued unchecked, pointing to gross negligence by the department.

AMC Housing Committee Chairman Mukesh Patel said that the vigilance team carried out a surprise inspection after receiving complaints about illegal PGs operating in the housing scheme. 

The probe revealed shocking details, including advertisements for the PG being promoted on social media and bookings being accepted through specific online platforms. Despite such open violations, the Estate Department failed to detect or act against the scam.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Jayesh Upadhyay stated that the housing scheme, popularly known as Everest Enclave, consists of 336 units. So far, inspections have been carried out in 43 houses, of which 35 were found locked. These houses will now be thoroughly investigated.