Surat: In a decisive move to ensure public safety, the South East (Limbayat) Zone of Surat Municipal Corporation has sealed 175 flats in the dangerously dilapidated Priyanka Apartment complex, located on F. P. No. 156 under Dr. T. P. Scheme No. 61 (Parvat-Godadara). The complex comprises six buildings labeled “A” to “F,” all of which were found to be in a critical state of disrepair.

Municipal authorities issued multiple notices to the occupants under Section 264 of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporations (B.P.M.C.) Act, 1949, from April 15 to June 6, 2024, directing them to carry out urgent structural repairs and submit a structural stability certificate. Despite subsequent notices under Section 268 on July 12, 2024, and May 17, 2025, no action was taken by the residents.

To raise awareness of the danger posed by the buildings, warning banners were installed at the site on June 5, 2024, and on May 21, 2025. Municipal officials also made personal visits to the premises to explain the risks involved. However, no repairs were undertaken, and no stability certificates were submitted.

With increasing concern for the safety of residents and pedestrians, authorities intervened on June 12, 2025, removing dangerously dilapidated portions including parapet walls, windows, and stairwells. All 175 flats were subsequently vacated and sealed.

The operation was executed peacefully under the direct supervision of Hon. Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the South East (Limbayat) Zone, with on-ground leadership provided by the Executive Engineer, one Deputy Engineer, three Assistant/Junior Engineers, one Supervisor, two Technical Assistant Engineers, 30 beldars, and five security staff.

In a separate development, the Surat Municipal Corporation has secured Reserved Plot No. 381—spanning 3,849 square meters—for public use, designated for a school and playground. This plot is part of Draft T.P. Scheme No. 35 (Kumbhariya-Saroli-Sania Hemad-Devadh) and includes land from Block Nos. 18, 17, and 98 within the South East (Limbayat) Zone.

Municipal authorities have reiterated their commitment to public safety and urban development, encouraging residents to comply with structural safety regulations and participate in the ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure across the city. DeshGujarat