The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has launched a significant enforcement drive, resulting in the immediate sealing of 13 hospitals in the city. This decisive action, carried out on Friday, targets healthcare facilities operating without the legally mandated Building Use (BU) permission in the eastern zones of Ahmedabad.
Wide-Scale Inspections Reveal Widespread Non-Compliance
Officials from the South Zone estate department spearheaded the crackdown, forming eight dedicated teams to scrutinize healthcare establishments. The teams conducted inspections at a total of 81 hospitals, checking for valid BU permissions and clearance under the impact fee regulations.
The inspection drive revealed a troubling pattern of non-compliance. Notices were served to 27 hospitals, directing them to regularize their structures by obtaining the necessary BU permissions as per construction laws and paying the requisite impact fees for any unauthorized constructions.
Repeated Warnings Ignored, Leading to Sealing
According to AMC authorities, many of these hospitals had been given repeated verbal instructions and warnings to comply with the regulations. However, their continued failure to adhere to the norms and legalize their operations left the civic body with no choice but to take stringent action.
Consequently, 13 hospitals that persistently operated without the valid BU certification were sealed shut, bringing their services to an abrupt halt. This move underscores the AMC's zero-tolerance policy towards illegal constructions and unauthorized commercial use of buildings.
A Continuing Campaign for Regulatory Adherence
This is not a standalone action but part of an ongoing city-wide campaign. The drive mirrors a similar large-scale operation conducted just last month on December 3, where the AMC sealed 21 hospitals found flouting the same rules. During that round, 11 were sealed in the eastern parts and 10 in the western areas of Ahmedabad.
In a parallel safety initiative, AMC teams also inspected construction sites across the South Zone for the mandatory use of green safety nets. Out of 25 sites checked, seven were found violating the safety norms. The errant builders faced financial penalties, with the total fines imposed amounting to Rs 1.45 lakh.
The AMC's twin drives highlight a firm stance on enforcing urban planning laws and ensuring public safety, sending a clear message to all commercial and construction entities about the importance of regulatory compliance.
