The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has come under fire for its ineffective handling of the city’s ongoing cave-in issues. Despite an expenditure of Rs48 crore over the past four years, the problem persists, with 33 new cave-ins reported this monsoon alone. The total number of cave-ins during this period stands at 319, raising serious concerns about the efficiency and transparency of the repair work conducted by the AMC.
The opposition leader within the civic body has accused the AMC of both negligence and corruption, claiming that the substantial financial outlay has failed to deliver lasting solutions. “The persistent cave-ins are a direct result of mishandling and corruption within the AMC,” the leader asserted. “Despite spending Rs1,000 crore annually on road resurfacing, the frequency of cave-ins remains alarmingly high.” A breakdown of the cave-ins by zone reveals that the North West Zone was the most affected, with 63 incidents, followed by the South Zone with 56, and the Central Zone with 50. Other zones experienced varying numbers of cave-ins, with the North Zone recording 28, the West Zone 49, the East Zone 40, the South West Zone 33, and the remaining 33 in the South West Zone.
The opposition leader’s criticism highlights a growing frustration among residents who are calling for immediate action to address the issue. There is a growing demand for a thorough review of the AMC’s approach to road maintenance and repair to ensure that public funds are utilised effectively and that quality standards are met. The ongoing cave-in crisis not only impacts daily commutes but also raises questions about the integrity of the AMC’s infrastructure projects. The situation underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance road quality and maintenance, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent judiciously and that residents receive the quality of infrastructure they are promised.
As Ahmedabad grapples with this issue, the focus remains on how the AMC will address these challenges and whether future investments will lead to more effective and transparent solutions.
