Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Cracks Down on Illegal Paying Guest Operations in PMAY Housing
In a decisive move to uphold housing regulations, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted a surprise raid on Tuesday night, resulting in the sealing of an illegal paying guest facility. The operation targeted houses within the Everest Enclave scheme, part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), located in the Science City area under Gota ward.
Details of the Raid and Findings
The AMC's vigilance team, comprising estate and TDO officials, acted on multiple complaints regarding misuse of residential properties. Specifically, House No. 305 in Block 2 and House No. 105 in Block 5 were under scrutiny for being rented out as paying guest accommodations. During the inspection, it was confirmed that House No. 105 was actively operating as a PG facility, while House No. 305 was listed as such on the online platform Airbnb.
Out of the 336 houses in the Everest Enclave complex, 43 were thoroughly inspected. The findings revealed that one house had been illegally rented out, and alarmingly, 35 houses were found suspiciously vacant, raising concerns about potential violations or misuse. In response, the AMC has ordered a further inquiry to investigate these vacancies and ensure compliance with housing norms.
Background and Implications
The Everest Enclave scheme, consisting of six blocks and 336 houses, is designed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to provide affordable housing to eligible beneficiaries. This incident highlights the challenges in monitoring such schemes to prevent unauthorized commercial activities. The AMC's action underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of public housing initiatives and addressing grievances from residents.
Authorities have emphasized that such illegal operations not only violate housing policies but also pose safety and security risks. The sealing of the PG facility serves as a warning to others engaging in similar practices, with the AMC likely to intensify vigilance in the area.
