Surat : Residents Demand Action Against Illegal Activities at SMC Party Plot

Surat: Residents of Rander in Surat have voiced their concerns over the alarming condition of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) Party Plot in their locality, which has reportedly turned into a hub of illegal activities. Despite Surat’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest cities, locals claim that this municipal property is being grossly misused and is in urgent need of maintenance and redevelopment.

According to residents, the Rander SMC Party Plot has become a breeding ground for unlawful activities, including drug peddling and prostitution, particularly during nighttime hours. Additionally, the premises are being misused as an open toilet, severely impacting the hygiene and dignity of the area.

“The condition of the SMC Party Plot in Rander is appalling. It is misused by criminals at night, and during the day, it remains an unhygienic, neglected space. The authorities need to take immediate action before the situation worsens,” said Imran Shaikh, a resident of Rander.

Apart from illegal activities, the abandoned property has become a shelter for beggars and is also being misused for illegal slaughtering of animals, violating sanitary and legal regulations. Residents fear that this poses a serious health risk to the neighborhood.

Another major issue reported by the locals is unauthorized parking fee collection. During major events such as the kite festival and Ramadan, individuals illegally charge visitors for parking, profiting from public property while depriving the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) of rightful revenue.

“People are making money by illegally charging parking fees on government property, and no one is monitoring it. The SMC must put a stop to this exploitation,” said  another local resident.

Residents’ Demands to the SMC

The Rander residents have urged the SMC West Zone Office to deploy security personnel to prevent illegal activities and ensure 24/7 surveillance, particularly at night, improve sanitation and cleanliness to stop the misuse of the area as an open toilet, restrict unauthorized individuals from exploiting public property for personal gain, take legal action against butchers violating sanitary and legal norms by slaughtering animals at the site and implement redevelopment measures to restore the plot for its intended public use.

Residents emphasize that the Rander SMC Party Plot is one of the most neglected municipal properties in Gujarat. They have urged the SMC to consider redeveloping and modernizing the property to make it a useful public space for the community.

“If properly maintained, this party plot could serve as a valuable community space rather than a neglected and unsafe area. We request the authorities to invest in its redevelopment,” stated a local activist.