Amit Shah Urges Ahmedabad to Top Cleanliness Rankings by 2025

Ahmedabad : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a strong appeal to the citizens of Ahmedabad to support the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in achieving its ambitious cleanliness goals. Shah, during his two-day visit to Gujarat, called for collective action to ensure that Ahmedabad secures the top position in India’s nationwide cleanliness rankings by 2025.

Speaking at a public meeting after inaugurating development projects worth hundreds of crores, Shah emphasized that while the results might not be immediately visible, the city must start working towards this target now. He highlighted that cleanliness is not just a goal but a responsibility that can lead to lasting change for the city.

“Amdavadis must commit themselves to this cause, just as Surat has done,” said Shah, referring to Surat’s impressive track record in cleanliness. In 2023, Surat was named the joint winner of the cleanest city award alongside Indore, and in 2024, it topped the Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) for air quality. Shah urged Ahmedabad to emulate Surat’s success and make Gujarat proud by leading the nation in cleanliness efforts.

A Tribute to Gandhi and Modi’s Vision

During his address, Shah also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, recalling how the cleanliness movement in India was inspired by the principles of the Father of the Nation. “It was on this very land that Gandhi initiated the Swachhata movement, a cause that has now been taken forward by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he remarked. Shah credited Modi’s leadership for the progress made in sanitation, pointing out that it has taken 70 years of independence for every household in India to have access to a toilet, a feat accomplished through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Shah reiterated AMC’s commitment to improving the city’s hygiene and cleanliness, underlining that these initiatives were deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural values. “Let’s resolve that Gujarat will be number one in the cleanliness survey next year,” he added.

Modernizing AMC Schools: Shah’s Priority

In addition to cleanliness, Shah placed a special focus on education, particularly the modernization of AMC-run schools. He expressed his belief that the future of India rests on the quality of education provided to its youth, and AMC schools play a crucial role in shaping that future. Shah said that modernization of these schools was a priority for him as it would ensure that the next generation grows up with the best possible opportunities.

Health Scare at the Event

Despite the focus on progress, the event was marred by an unfortunate incident when two women teachers attending the program fainted due to heat and humidity. Shah’s program, scheduled for 11 a.m., was delayed by two hours, with the Home Minister arriving at 1 p.m. The teachers had been waiting since 10 a.m., and the lack of medical support at the venue exacerbated the situation. Fortunately, the local Sola police and fellow teachers quickly stepped in to provide assistance. Both women were successfully revived without major injuries, but the incident highlighted the need for better preparedness at such large-scale public events.

Shah apologized from the stage for the delay in the program and the inconvenience caused to attendees. His apology was received with understanding from the crowd, although the absence of medical personnel raised concerns about event management.

Inauguration of the New Police Commissioner’s Office

Shah’s visit also included the inauguration of the new state-of-the-art building for the Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner’s office. Attended by around 12,000 people, including 700 VVIPs, the event marked a significant upgrade in the city’s administrative infrastructure. The new building boasts modern facilities, with the police commissioner’s office located on the seventh floor. The structure includes a two-story basement parking area capable of accommodating up to 3,000 cars.

A key feature of the building is its high-tech command and control center, which has a seating capacity of 180 and is designed for citywide monitoring. The building also houses a conference room and a canteen. Visitors to the building will undergo stringent security checks, similar to airport screenings, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Shah praised the building’s modern design, stating that it symbolizes the city’s commitment to maintaining law and order while moving towards a future of enhanced civic amenities.