Fresh from being named India’s cleanest large city, Ahmedabad is aiming even higher. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and city police are launching a strict crackdown on public spitting, urination, and littering — using existing laws under the Gujarat Police Act that have rarely been enforced until now.
According to a media report, the move follows Ahmedabad’s top rank in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 for cities with populations over 10 lakh. The city was also recently recognised as the safest in the country. Now, officials want to set an even higher benchmark — especially as Ahmedabad positions itself as a contender to host the 2036 Olympics.
Strict Action Ahead
According to senior police officials, people caught spitting, urinating, or littering in public can face fines — and in some cases, even jail. The rule will also apply to parents or guardians who allow children under 7 years old to relieve themselves in public, if it causes inconvenience to others.
“These acts have always been punishable under the Gujarat Police Act, but the enforcement was weak. With the city now aiming to become world-class, we’re activating the law fully,” a senior officer told Mirror.
Citywide Surveillance to Catch Offenders
To enforce the new rules, authorities will use Ahmedabad’s wide CCTV network — set up by AMC, the Home Department, and under the Gujarat Public Safety Act. Live footage will be monitored round the clock from control rooms, and special AMC-police teams with body-worn cameras will conduct surprise checks at public places like bus stops, railway stations, and markets.
Even AMC’s cattle control units, the police special branch, and door-to-door garbage collectors will be asked to report people dumping waste or causing nuisance in public spaces.
Key Offences Under Gujarat Police Act:
- Spitting in public: Treated as a public nuisance, punishable with a fine.
- Public urination/defecation: Recognised as a punishable offence — fines or jail.
- Letting minors urinate in public: Parents/guardians may be penalised if it causes public inconvenience.
- Littering: Throwing garbage, dust, or ash in public is a punishable offence.
With this new drive, Ahmedabad hopes to not just keep its Swachh title — but raise the bar for urban cleanliness and civic sense across India.