Gandhinagar: Residents of the rapidly developing and upscale localities of Kudasan, Raisan, Sargasan, and Randesan are facing growing distress due to the mushrooming of illegal paying guest (PG) accommodations in otherwise quiet residential areas.

According to residents, the proliferation of unauthorised PG units has significantly disrupted daily life, with issues such as overcrowding, noise pollution, and excessive strain on basic amenities becoming increasingly common.

Societies Unite Against Administrative Inaction

In a collective move, chairpersons and secretaries of 28 prominent housing societies have submitted a detailed representation, duly stamped and signed, to the Municipal Commissioner. Residents claim that despite submitting a prior memorandum to both the Mayor and the Commissioner on March 27, the administration has failed to act or even initiate an inquiry.

Overcrowding and Strain on Resources

The representation highlights that flats originally intended for family use are being converted into commercial PG facilities. These units often accommodate far more occupants than their intended capacity, putting severe pressure on essential services such as water supply, elevators, and parking. Despite being openly advertised on social media, many of these PGs reportedly operate without any registration with the Municipal Corporation.

Security Concerns for Women and Children

Residents have also raised serious concerns over safety, citing the absence of basic security protocols. Many occupants arriving from other states are allegedly staying without mandatory police verification or formal registration. The steady influx of unidentified individuals has heightened fears about the safety of women and children within these residential societies. Residents have questioned accountability in the event of any untoward incident involving anti-social elements.

GMC Faces Criticism for ‘Wait-and-Watch’ Approach

The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) has come under criticism for delaying the formulation of a dedicated PG policy, despite clear directions from the Gujarat High Court. While similar regulations have already been implemented in Ahmedabad, authorities in Gandhinagar continue to adopt a “wait-and-watch” approach.

Residents allege that this administrative inaction has emboldened illegal operators, some of whom have even begun targeting and harassing society office-bearers opposing such activities.

Seeking resolution, residents have escalated the matter to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and the Urban Development Department, urging immediate intervention to curb and shut down illegal PG operations. DeshGujarat