Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has taken decisive steps to address the issue of frequent cave-ins and breakdowns reported across the city this monsoon. With over 40 incidents of road collapses and related problems this season, the AMC’s internal accountability has come under scrutiny, prompting the municipal chief to issue a new directive delineating repair responsibilities among various departments.
The circular issued by the AMC on Tuesday aims to streamline repair processes by clearly defining the roles of different officials and departments. According to the new guidelines, the drainage project department will oversee the maintenance and repair of breakdowns within stormwater pumping stations. This includes addressing issues at the stations’ premises and handling up to two manholes located outside the station’s boundary. Additionally, the department will be responsible for repairs at the intersections of rising and gravity lines.
Engineers from the project implementing unit zonal office are tasked with managing breakdowns in larger drainage and stormwater lines, specifically those with a diameter of 900mm or more. This unit will also handle repairs for associated manholes. For breakdowns involving smaller lines (less than 900mm in diameter), the sub-zonal office will take charge. The new protocol includes provisions for deeper breakdowns, exceeding 15 feet, which will require coordinated efforts with the city engineer to ensure effective resolution.
This restructuring is intended to address the city’s ongoing issues with infrastructure failure during the monsoon, which has been exacerbated by inadequate maintenance and inter-departmental communication. The AMC’s move to clarify and assign specific responsibilities is expected to enhance efficiency in handling and resolving such incidents, ultimately improving public safety and infrastructure resilience.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the AMC to improve operational accountability and response times in the face of seasonal challenges. By clearly defining the scope of each department’s responsibilities, the AMC aims to mitigate future disruptions and ensure a more coordinated approach to infrastructure management.
