Ahmedabad : Residents of Dilapidated Municipal Staff Quarters Given 7 Days to Vacate

AHMEDABAD,GUJARAT : Residents of Shahpur, Jamalpur, and Shahibaug have been given a seven-day notice to vacate their homes due to the dangerous condition of the buildings. As the monsoon season brings heavy rains, the risk of old and dilapidated houses collapsing has increased significantly. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has identified over 100 houses in the Asarwa, Shahibaug, Raipur, Shahpur, and Jamalpur areas as unsafe for habitation and has ordered their evacuation.

The affected houses, constructed 40 to 50 years ago by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for its class 3 and 4 employees, are now in a state of severe disrepair. Originally built as health and slum quarters, these buildings were sold to the employees a few years ago, transferring the responsibility for maintenance and repairs from the AMC to the new owners. Unfortunately, many of these houses have not undergone any repair work since their sale, leading to their current precarious condition.

The AMC’s Estate Department of Central Zone has issued public notices, prominently displayed on large banners at all six quarters, warning residents of the imminent danger. The notice clearly states that the buildings are extremely dilapidated and pose a significant risk of accidents and mishaps, which could result in severe damage and loss of life. The notice emphasizes the urgency of the situation, instructing residents to vacate their homes within seven days.

The quarters house more than 500 people, including many serving municipal employees and their families. The AMC’s warning has created a sense of urgency among the residents, who now face the challenge of finding alternative accommodation on short notice. The notices also state that occupants and owners will be held liable for any loss or damage incurred due to failure to vacate the premises.

The AMC’s decision to enforce the evacuation stems from a proactive approach to prevent potential tragedies during the monsoon season. The heavy rains exacerbate the already compromised structural integrity of these old buildings, making them highly susceptible to collapse. The corporation’s action aims to safeguard the lives of residents by preemptively addressing the imminent threat.

Residents have expressed concern and anxiety over the short notice period, highlighting the difficulty in securing new housing in such a limited timeframe. However, the AMC maintains that the evacuation is essential for the safety of the residents and is urging them to comply with the notice to avoid any unfortunate incidents.