Ahmedabad: Residents seize AMC officials’ keys over contaminated water

Times News Network

Ahmedabad: Tensions flared in the Asarwa area on Monday morning as residents of Bhogilal ni Chali confronted officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), seizing their vehicle keys in protest over days of contaminated drinking water supply.

The standoff began when AMC officials arrived to inspect the site amid mounting complaints. A heated altercation broke out, and angry residents snatched the staff’s vehicle keys, prompting officials to call cops. Protesters also gathered outside the local MLA’s office to register their anger. The situation was brought under control only after police intervened.

Amit Patel, additional engineer at AMC, said the civic body had been working to address the issue. “In the past week, we received complaints regarding water pollution in Bhogilal ni Chali, located in the Shahibaug ward,” he said, adding that the corporation had inspected and cleared drainage lines using desilting machines fitted with CCTV, and flushed out lines within the narrow lanes. According to Patel, when the complaints persisted, officials checked the 100mm diameter line near the first lane and tested both the water and sewage lines. They found the chlorine levels to be normal.

He said officials had returned on Monday morning specifically to assess water pressure and pollution levels when the confrontation occurred. Patel confirmed that water tankers were dispatched to the area and that repair work on the water line connections is currently underway.