Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal PG Accommodations
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has escalated its enforcement actions against illegally operated paying guest (PG) accommodations across the city. In a significant move on Thursday, municipal authorities sealed 32 such unauthorized units located in the North-West Zone of Ahmedabad.
Targeted Areas and Immediate Impact
The sealing operation specifically targeted PG facilities in prominent residential neighborhoods including Bodakdev (Premchandnagar) and Chandlodia. This action represents the continuation of a two-day crackdown that has seen AMC officials taking stringent measures against accommodations operating without proper permissions and safety compliance.
As the sealing drive gained momentum throughout the day, the situation reached a boiling point by nightfall. Approximately 100 affected PG residents and operators organized themselves and marched to the Rajmata Scindia Bhavan, which serves as the North-West Zone office of the AMC.
Spontaneous Protest Erupts at AMC Office
The gathering quickly transformed into an impromptu protest as demonstrators occupied both the entrance and lobby areas of the municipal building. Protesters voiced their frustration through chants and placards, declaring that if their accommodations were sealed without adequate notice, they would have "no option but to sleep at the AMC office."
Many protesters claimed they were left stranded with their personal belongings and had not been given sufficient time to arrange alternative housing. The sudden nature of the sealing operations created immediate housing crises for both PG operators and their tenants, many of whom are students and working professionals.
AMC Officials Defend Enforcement Actions
AMC officials maintained that operators had received prior warnings about compliance requirements. A senior official from the AMC estate department emphasized that the corporation had repeatedly asked PG operators to "obtain mandatory permissions and comply with safety and licensing norms" before taking enforcement action.
The official further clarified that non-compliant units would continue to face regulatory action as part of the AMC's broader initiative to bring order and safety standards to the city's PG sector. This regulatory push aims to address concerns about fire safety, building code violations, and proper documentation within the rapidly growing accommodation industry.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
The current sealing operations in the North-West Zone represent just one phase of a city-wide initiative. AMC authorities have indicated that similar raids and enforcement actions are expected to continue across other municipal zones in Ahmedabad. The corporation appears determined to systematically regulate the PG sector, which has expanded significantly in recent years without corresponding regulatory oversight.
This confrontation between municipal authorities and accommodation providers highlights the growing tension between urban development regulations and the practical housing needs of Ahmedabad's expanding population. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the complex landscape of urban housing regulations, tenant rights, and municipal enforcement powers.
