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Ahmedabad Flags 274 Unsafe Buildings Ahead of Rath Yatra, Issues Notices

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has identified 274 dangerous buildings in the Central Zone ahead of the Rath Yatra and monsoon season. Notices under Section 264 of the GPMC Act have been issued to owners and occupiers to repair or remove hazardous portions. The corporation warned that owners will be held fully responsible for any loss of life or property due to building collapses. Citizens have been urged to avoid entering or residing in structures declared dangerous.

Key Points: Ahmedabad Flags 274 Unsafe Buildings Before Rath Yatra

  • 274 dangerous buildings identified in Central Zone ahead of Rath Yatra
  • Notices under Section 264 of GPMC Act issued to property owners
  • Total 1,525 notices served since 2023 for unsafe structures
  • Owners directed to repair or remove hazardous portions immediately
2 min read

Gujarat: Ahmedabad civic body flags 274 unsafe structures, sends notices before Rath Yatra

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation issues notices for 274 dangerous buildings ahead of Rath Yatra and monsoon, warning owners of responsibility for any accidents.

"if any loss of life or property takes place due to the collapse of a dangerous structure, full responsibility would rest with the owner concerned - Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation"

Ahmedabad, May 12

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has intensified action against dangerous and dilapidated buildings across the city ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, issuing notices to property owners and occupiers as part of its monsoon preparedness and public safety measures, officials said on Tuesday.

The civic body said special inspections were carried out in various parts of Ahmedabad, covering government, semi-government, private, individual and religious trust-owned properties.

The exercise was undertaken keeping in view the upcoming monsoon season and the annual Rath Yatra, one of Ahmedabad's largest religious processions, which draws thousands of devotees and passes through several densely populated areas of the old city.

According to AMC, owners and occupiers of buildings found in a dangerous condition have been directed to immediately remove hazardous portions of structures, undertake necessary repairs and ensure that no accidents occur.

The corporation warned that if any loss of life or property takes place due to the collapse of a dangerous structure, full responsibility would rest with the owner concerned, occupier or responsible person.

In the Central Zone alone, a survey conducted this year identified 274 dangerous buildings.

Notices under Section 264 of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations (GPMC) Act were issued by the Property Tax Department to owners and occupiers for removal of risky portions and repair work.

The notices were also served to owners, occupiers and responsible persons of dangerous buildings in the Khadia ward, one of the key stretches through which the Rath Yatra procession passes.

AMC said that between 2023 and 2025, notices had been issued to 1,251 dangerous buildings across the city.

With the addition of 274 buildings identified in 2026, the total number of properties served notices under Section 264 of the GPMC Act has reached 1,525.

The corporation has instructed property owners to complete repairs and remove hazardous sections of buildings without delay.

It also appealed to citizens not to enter or reside in structures declared dangerous and to avoid using such premises for any purpose.

Residents living near dangerous buildings have also been urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions for their safety during the monsoon period and ahead of the Rath Yatra festivities in the city.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Pooja D
Good move but why always before Rath Yatra? These buildings are dangerous throughout the year, not just during festivals. Monsoon is coming and every year we hear about building collapses in Ahmedabad. The 1,525 notices in 3 years is a big number - I hope AMC has a proper plan to enforce repairs or demolitions. Safety should be year-round priority.
R
Rohit L
As someone who lives near Khadia, this is reassuring. The old city areas have so many heritage buildings that are crumbling. But I hope they also check the new constructions - many builders cut corners and those buildings might be dangerous too. Also, what about the tenants who are forced to live in such unsafe conditions due to high rents elsewhere? The system needs to address housing affordability too.
S
Sarah B
I live in a complex where the building next door has huge cracks. The owner doesn't care because he doesn't live there. AMC should not just send notices but also impose heavy fines or seal such properties. Section 264 is good but needs teeth. Rath Yatra is a huge event - thousands of people will be walking those streets. Let's hope AMC follows through this time.
V
Varun X
Honest question - how many of these notices actually result in repairs? I've seen buildings in Maninagar with notices from 2022 still standing with cracks. AMC needs to set a deadline and actually demolish if owners don't comply. Monsoon is coming and 274 new dangerous buildings in just one zone is alarming. Action needs to be swift, not just paperwork.
K
Kavitha C

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