AMC Special Squad to Impose ₹1 Lakh Fine for Illegal Construction Waste Dumping in Ahmedabad
Citizens who are renovating, repairing, or constructing new homes can no longer dump construction waste, soil, debris, and rubbish (debris) on the roads. If such construction waste is found on the roads, the responsible citizens will be fined. Government departments and AMC’s ongoing projects will also not allow agencies to dispose of construction waste or rubbish outside. A special squad will be formed by the Municipal Corporation to take action against those who dump such C&D (Construction and Debris) waste. Fines ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh will be imposed if construction waste is found on the roads.
Designated Areas for Construction Waste Disposal
In various areas of the city, people are carrying out renovations or new constructions in their homes. The resulting construction waste, including broken bricks and stones, is often dumped in open plots or on roads. Citizens can dispose of construction waste in any of the 26 designated plots at their own expense. If citizens cannot dispose of the construction waste generated during the construction process, such as bricks, stones, and various other debris, they can pay a prescribed charge to the Municipal Corporation, which will arrange for its disposal. The decision has also been made to increase the prescribed charge for this service.
Increase in Charges for Construction Waste Disposal
Citizens who want to dispose of waste generated during renovations or new construction can call 155303 to file a complaint, and the Municipal Corporation will arrange for disposal by charging the currently prescribed fee. A two- to threefold increase in this fee has been decided. The charge is based on whether the waste is less than or more than one metric ton, with the current fee ranging from ₹200 to ₹1,700. For less than one metric ton of construction waste, the charge will now increase from ₹200 to ₹675. Complaints regarding C&D waste can be submitted through the prescribed agencies or through the institution’s website or mobile number, where citizens can also pay the specified fee for the disposal of soil and debris.
Zonal Squads for Effective Monitoring
A pilot project has been initiated to form separate squads, named the C&D Sanitation Squad, for effective supervision and monitoring to ensure that construction waste does not remain on public roads, footpaths, or open areas. A total of seven squads, one for each zone, will be made operational under this pilot project. Each squad will consist of three members, including a retired SI/SSI/Cleanliness Supervisor, a retired army man/bouncer, and an AMC clerk. A unique code will be assigned to each zone.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Construction Waste Disposal
All wards with ongoing building repairs or construction where construction waste is dumped without proper arrangements or where residential or commercial units are found to be violating the system will be identified. Citizens or vehicles dumping waste on open AMC plots, under railway lines, overbridges, public roads, footpaths, or deserted areas will be fined by the squad. The Solid Waste Management Department of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has now established an SOP for the proper disposal of construction waste by both citizens and government agencies. According to the SOP, construction waste must be disposed of at designated plots. If this is not done as per the guidelines, penalties will be imposed.
Rules for Citizens to Follow
Citizens are prohibited from dumping construction and demolition waste, including debris, soil, rubble, etc., on roads, open plots, or any other place after demolishing their house for renovation, repair, or new construction. Citizens must dispose of such waste at the 26 designated plots (with future changes to the number or locations if applicable) at their own expense. AMC will not charge any additional fees for this service, and it will be provided free of cost. Citizens can register their complaints with the Solid Waste Management Department at AMC’s CCRS service or designated phone number, or at the sub-zonal office, and pay the necessary administrative charges to have their construction waste disposed of.
Regulations for Small and Large Construction Waste Generators
This SOP will apply to new and ongoing repair, renovation, or redevelopment projects for both public and private civil construction work, including commercial and residential projects. Projects producing a significant amount of C&D waste must plan in advance and dispose of it at the designated construction waste collection centers. The waste generators must contact the agency assigned by AMC and pay the prescribed fees to arrange for disposal. The project site must also use green nets or cloth to prevent dust and soil from spreading around the site. Water sprinklers must be used to control dust at the construction sites, and vehicles carrying construction waste should be properly covered to prevent dust, debris, or soil from spreading on the roads. Care should also be taken that Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) does not spill onto public roads, or AMC will impose penalties and administrative charges.
