The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has intensified its public health and sanitation drive, issuing notices to 424 panipuri vending lorries and sealing 15 water tanker supply units across Ahmedabad for violating safety norms.
The move comes amid rising concerns over waterborne diseases, following recent outbreaks reported in Indore and Gandhinagar. Officials said the expanded action aims to strengthen food and water safety, especially in high-risk urban pockets.
Street food vendors brought under health scrutiny
Traditionally, municipal enforcement focused on shops and industrial units for issues such as public littering, banned plastic usage and non-payment of dues. However, the AMC’s health department has now widened its scope to include street food vendors, particularly panipuri sellers, due to their reliance on water and raw ingredients.
Between January 6 and 17, civic teams inspected 1,758 panipuri lorries across the city. Food samples were collected from 137 vendors, and notices were issued to 424 lorries for hygiene-related violations. The drive resulted in fines amounting to ₹1.17 lakh.
Water tanker units sealed for non-compliance
As part of preventive measures, AMC made it mandatory for all registered water tanker suppliers to install chlorine dosing devices to ensure water quality. Of the 194 registered suppliers, 179 complied with the directive.
The remaining 15 units were sealed for failing to install the required equipment. These included one unit in the central zone, six in the north, three in the south-west, and five in the south zone.
High-risk areas under close watch
The civic body also reported receiving a large number of sanitation-related complaints from 26 identified high-risk areas. These included 1,114 complaints of sewer blockages, 37 cases of water leakage, and 25 complaints of contaminated water.
Officials said inspections and enforcement will continue in phases to prevent disease outbreaks and improve overall public hygiene.