Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal paying guest (PG) accommodations, sealing around 65 units across the city’s North West Zone. The drive, underway for several days, has mainly targeted areas including Vastrapur, Gota, Bodakdev (Premchand Nagar) and Chandlodia.

Lack of safety norms and permissions

According to reports, the AMC’s estate department initiated the sealing action after several PG operators failed to produce mandatory documents. In the Premchand Nagar area of Vastrapur alone, 33 houses were sealed for operating without prior permission from their respective housing societies and without essential Fire NOCs (No Objection Certificates).

AMC officials said operators had previously been warned to obtain Building Use (BU) permissions and comply with safety and licensing norms. However, many failed to furnish proof of compliance.

Students and residents left stranded

The sudden enforcement has significantly impacted students and young professionals residing in these PGs. Several residents alleged that they were evicted abruptly, with their belongings locked inside the sealed premises. With no immediate alternative accommodation, many were left scrambling for shelter.

Protest at AMC office

In response, nearly 100 students and PG operators gathered at Rajmata Scindia Bhavan, the AMC’s North West Zone office near Atithi Hotel on Judges Bungalow Road. Protesters staged a sit-in and camped overnight in the entrance and lobby area, stating they had “no option but to sleep at the AMC office” after being evicted without adequate time to relocate.

Demand for clear regulations

While the AMC is reportedly planning to extend the drive to other zones, PG operators are demanding clearer and more structured regulations. However, it is noteworthy that the civic body had already issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) last year to regulate PG accommodations. Under those rules, no PG is permitted to operate without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned housing society. DeshGujarat