The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has directed the relocation of all Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants currently operating within city limits.
The directive follows growing public concern over the adverse health impact of particulate emissions and noise generated by these plants, which are often situated perilously close to homes and schools. The decision was formalised during the AMC’s recent Standing Committee meeting, where officials acknowledged the urgency of addressing environmental hazards tied to unregulated urban industrial operations. Currently, over 50 RMC plants operate across Ahmedabad, many of them in densely populated zones. Builders often set up these concrete-mixing facilities adjacent to construction sites for logistical ease, but city planners now argue that this practice undermines the right to clean and safe air.
Under the proposed policy, which is expected to be finalised within the next two months, RMC units will be shifted to designated peripheral zones such as Nana Chiloda, Hebatpur, and Bhadaj. These areas are strategically located away from high-density urban settlements, thereby reducing the risk of pollution exposure to residents. Urban health and sustainability experts have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue step towards responsible zoning and industrial regulation. The environmental impact of RMC plants is well-documented, with the emission of fine cement dust contributing to respiratory ailments, especially among children and the elderly. Relocating these operations aligns with broader municipal goals of reducing urban air pollution and building healthier, more liveable cities.
In parallel with this effort, the AMC is also accelerating the rollout of enhanced fire safety infrastructure across the city. This follows a recent fire near Indira Bridge Circle, where the lack of a nearby fire station delayed emergency response. At present, Ahmedabad has 20 operational fire stations, with five more under construction. However, the municipal body has now mandated the identification and development of new fire stations to ensure that no locality is left beyond a 10-kilometre emergency response radius. The AMC is expected to soon invite tenders for additional fire stations and fast-track land allocation for construction. Officials note that rapid urban expansion has created significant service gaps in disaster readiness, particularly in emerging residential belts and commercial corridors. The city’s fire safety blueprint is now being restructured to address these vulnerabilities.
Together, the twin initiatives—relocating RMC plants and strengthening fire safety infrastructure—mark a significant shift in Ahmedabad’s approach to urban planning. They signal a more environmentally conscious and resident-centric governance model, one that prioritises health, safety, and sustainability over short-term construction convenience. While the success of these measures will depend on swift execution and public cooperation, AMC’s proactive stance sends a clear message: urban development must not come at the cost of citizen wellbeing. As Ahmedabad continues to evolve as a model of smart and green urbanism, these policy decisions may set a precedent for other Indian cities facing similar challenges.
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