AMC Seals 104 Buildings Over Safety Breaches

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed 104 buildings lacking valid fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) or building use permits. This recent action forms part of an extensive campaign by the AMC to address non-compliance in building safety regulations, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating Rajkot gaming zone fire which claimed 27 lives nearly a month ago.

On Tuesday, the AMC sealed 54 educational institutions, including schools, pre-schools, and tuition centres, alongside 50 unauthorised industrial sheds. Prominent educational facilities such as Kalorex Pre-School in Chandkheda, EuroKids in Sabarmati, and two branches of Podar Jumbo Kids in Naranpura and New Ranip were among those targeted for unauthorised construction.

The AMC’s town development officer revealed that, following this latest enforcement round, a total of 346 units have been sealed over the past 20 days. This stringent action underscores the civic body’s commitment to ensuring that buildings within its jurisdiction meet all necessary safety and usage regulations.

The crackdown was spurred by directives from the Gujarat High Court, which on 13th June instructed the state’s education department to conduct comprehensive inspections of schools across both urban and rural areas. The court mandated these inspections to verify the presence of valid building use permits and fire safety NOCs, with a deadline to complete the inspections within one month. This order emerged from a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in response to the tragic Rajkot incident, highlighting the critical need for stringent safety compliance.

The AMC’s initiative is not only a response to the court’s directive but also a proactive measure to mitigate potential risks associated with non-compliant buildings. By sealing these units, the civic body aims to enforce adherence to safety standards, thus safeguarding the lives of the city’s residents. This action is expected to prompt other building owners to regularise their properties and ensure compliance with all requisite safety norms.

The closure of these buildings serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in averting disasters and ensuring public safety. As the AMC continues its drive, it is anticipated that more buildings will be scrutinised and appropriate actions will be taken to uphold safety standards.