Ahmedabad Seals Illegal Paying Guest Facility in Housing Scheme

In a decisive move on the night of October 3, 2023, authorities in Ahmedabad sealed an illegal paying guest facility operating within the Everest Enclave housing scheme, located in the Science City area of Gota ward. The operation was executed by the vigilance team from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in response to multiple complaints regarding unauthorized rentals.

Details of the Operation

The Everest Enclave, part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, consists of six blocks housing a total of 336 units. During a surprise raid, AMC’s estate team discovered that House No. 305 in Block 2 and House No. 105 in Block 5 were being utilized for paying guests. Specifically, House No. 105 was functioning directly as a paying guest facility, while House No. 305 had been listed on Airbnb as a PG accommodation.

The AMC team inspected a total of 43 houses within the complex, revealing that one house had been rented out while 35 others raised suspicions due to their vacant status. This prompted the AMC to order further inquiries into the situation.

Implications and Next Steps

The sealing of these facilities underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to enforce housing regulations and ensure compliance within residential schemes. The AMC aims to preserve the integrity of housing initiatives designed for low and middle-income families. The discovery of illegal renting practices not only violates local housing laws but also raises concerns about the availability of affordable housing in the region.

As the investigation progresses, the AMC is expected to take stronger actions against unauthorized rentals, ensuring that residents benefit from the intended purpose of these housing schemes. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available regarding the outcomes of the inquiries.