In a major crackdown, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Wednesday sealed 16 hospitals, 10 schools, and two banquet halls in the city’s western zone for operating without mandatory Building Use (BU) permission. This is the first time such a large number of hospitals have been sealed in a single day.
A senior AMC official said the civic body had issued multiple notices, but the institutions failed to comply. “This is about patient safety. Many hospitals also violated parking norms,” the official said. Despite being asked to regularise unauthorised constructions by paying impact fees, no action was taken, prompting the crackdown.
The drive is set to intensify, with upcoming inspections targeting schools, colleges, restaurants, food outlets, and commercial establishments. Buildings lacking BU permission will be sealed, while those with permission will be checked for illegal alterations.
Officials noted that many structures undergo changes after obtaining BU approval—such as blocked fire exits or conversion of open spaces into rooms—posing serious safety risks. The estate department has been directed to verify whether buildings match their approved plans. Penalties for violations are also being considered.