The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Recreational, Cultural and Heritage Committee deferred decisions on three key proposals at its October 9 meeting, keeping plans for Kids City, toy train operations and garden development pending.The committee met after a gap of around one and a half months, but several proposals remained unresolved. Of the 11 agenda items, a garden development proposal was returned after the civic body received only one tender. Decisions on developing Kids City under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and the operation and maintenance of the toy train were postponed until the next meeting.
Gandhinagar Elections Delay Review
Committee chairman Jitendra Kharchariya said he could not review the proposals because of his involvement in the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections. Further action will be taken after the review is completed.The meeting was initially scheduled for September 30, following the previous meeting on August 31, but was cancelled due to a BJP event. As a result, several important proposals remained pending when the committee finally met on October 9.
Routine Proposals Approved
The committee approved routine agenda items related to swimming pool revenue, membership and revenue figures for gyms, skating rinks and sports complexes, and visitor numbers and revenue at the zoo.Proposals for developing traffic circles under the PPP model and extending the contract of the manpower supply agency were also approved.However, the garden development proposal was returned because only one tender had been received. The Kids City and toy train proposals were deferred until the pending reviews are completed.
Garden Supervisor Contract Extended Despite Tender Delay
The committee approved a four-month extension for D.R. Enterprise, the agency supplying garden supervisors, despite its contract having expired in May 2026.The Garden Department had failed to initiate the fresh tender process on time. Although the committee had held four to five meetings before Friday’s session, the manpower supply issue had not been brought before it.The extension proposal was submitted around four months after the original contract expired. Kharchariya said the Garden Department had been instructed to prepare the tender within the next four months.The delay has raised questions about the department’s tender management and its continued dependence on the existing agency.
Tree Branches Blocking Streetlights
The committee also discussed complaints about tree branches and foliage obstructing streetlights, leaving some roads inadequately illuminated.Kharchariya said instructions had been issued to trim the branches. The issue has raised concerns about maintenance, as tree trimming is routinely carried out before the monsoon, yet overgrown branches are again blocking streetlights.
Concerns Over Garden Security Guards
Members also raised concerns about the age of security guards deployed at public gardens and questioned whether existing arrangements were adequate to protect visitors.The discussion highlighted the need for appropriate guard selection and effective monitoring to ensure the safety of citizens visiting public gardens.