Residents of Gandhinagar’s upscale localities, including Kudasan, Raisan, Sargasan, and Randesan, are raising alarms over the surge of illegal paying guest (PG) accommodations infiltrating their neighborhoods. These unauthorized units have sparked complaints about overcrowding, noise pollution, and increased pressure on basic amenities.
On April 20, chairpersons and secretaries from 28 housing societies banded together to voice their concerns. They submitted a formal appeal to the Municipal Commissioner after previously reaching out to both the Mayor and the Commissioner on March 27 without any response or action taken.
The issue at hand is stark: flats designed for family living are being transformed into commercial PGs that often exceed their intended capacity. This transformation has strained essential services like water supply and parking facilities. Many of these operations aren’t even registered with the Municipal Corporation yet are openly advertised on social media platforms.
But it’s not just overcrowding that worries residents. There’s a growing fear for safety as many occupants hail from other states but lack police verification or proper registration. The influx of unfamiliar individuals raises significant concerns for women and children in these residential areas.
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) faces mounting criticism for its slow response to this crisis. Despite directives from the Gujarat High Court advocating for a dedicated PG policy—similar to those already established in Ahmedabad—the GMC has adopted what many see as a “wait-and-watch” strategy.
As frustrations mount, residents have escalated their demands to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and Urban Development Department, pushing for urgent measures to curb illegal PG activities threatening their community’s peace.