Ahmedabad: More than 2,800 cases of water-borne diseases have been reported in the city over the past four months, with an average of over 700 citizens falling ill every month, according to municipal data.

In response, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified inspections across the city. Over the last three months, officials have collected samples from more than 1,600 street food vendors, particularly lorries selling pani puri. Of these, over 200 vendors were found using banned food colours, leading to the seizure of their carts.

Civic authorities have also issued notices to 892 pani puri vendors so far for violations related to hygiene and food safety.

During the enforcement drive, a total of 1,816 kg of food items and 1,228 litres of water used in preparation were destroyed for being unfit for consumption.

Zone-wise action taken includes:

• North Zone: 811 kg food, 423 litres of water destroyed; ₹69,700 fine
• South Zone: 220 kg food, 154 litres of water; ₹85,700 fine
• East Zone: 168 kg food, 139 litres of water; ₹57,000 fine
• West Zone: 111 kg food, 92 litres of water; ₹51,000 fine
• Central Zone: 312 kg food, 227 litres of water; ₹86,700 fine
• North-West Zone: 62 kg food, 114 litres of water; ₹87,000 fine
• South-West Zone: 32 kg food, 79 litres of water; ₹30,000 fine

In total, fines amounting to ₹4.67 lakh have been imposed across zones.

Officials said the crackdown aims to curb the spread of water-borne diseases and ensure food safety standards are maintained, especially among roadside vendors. DeshGujarat