Ahmedabad, Gujarat – On June 15, 2024, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in partnership with the Ahmedabad City Police initiated a comprehensive crackdown on public spitting, urination, and littering across key areas of Ahmedabad city. This campaign aims to enforce existing legal provisions under the Gujarat Police Act more rigorously than ever before, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain its status as India’s cleanest large city.
What Happened — Full Details
The AMC and Ahmedabad City Police commenced surprise inspections in busy public areas including Ellisbridge, Maninagar, and Kalupur, targeting common spots where public spitting and urination have been prevalent. The campaign employs live surveillance through the city’s extensive CCTV infrastructure, managed by the AMC’s Public Safety Control Room located in the Paldi area, operating 24/7. Additionally, police personnel equipped with body-worn cameras patrol crowded locations such as the Ahmedabad Railway Station, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) terminals, and markets like Law Garden and Sindhu Bhavan Road.
To deter offenders, the authorities are imposing fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per offence, with repeat offenders facing possible jail terms of up to one month under sections 64 and 65 of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951. The crackdown also extends to parents and guardians responsible for children below seven years who relieve themselves in public spaces, with fines up to ₹1,000.
The AMC has coordinated with its cattle control units and door-to-door garbage collectors, who are now empowered to report violations in their respective wards. The campaign aims to cover all 48 wards of Ahmedabad, including the recently added areas under the AMC’s expanded jurisdiction.
Who Was Arrested / Accused
Within the first week of the crackdown, the Ellisbridge Police Station registered 45 cases related to public spitting and urination. Among those fined was a group of daily wage labourers caught spitting near the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2 construction site on Ashram Road. The Shahpur Police Station arrested two repeat offenders for public urination near the Sabarmati Riverfront, who were subsequently released on bail after paying fines.
In one notable case (FIR No. 123/2024 at Maninagar Police Station), a local resident was booked for repeated littering and spitting outside a municipal park, highlighting the enforcement’s focus on habitual offenders. The police have emphasized that enforcement will be impartial, covering all demographics and areas, including congested localities in the eastern Ahmedabad district.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following arrests or issuance of fines, accused individuals are given the chance to contest charges in the Ahmedabad Magistrate Court. The AMC and police are coordinating with the courts to expedite hearings related to public nuisance cases, with a special bench allocated to handle these proceedings within the Gandhinagar District Court complex.
Authorities are also reviewing complaints and evidence collected from CCTV footage to identify habitual offenders. The AMC has introduced a digital complaint portal, where citizens can upload photos or videos of violations, ensuring community involvement in monitoring and reporting.
Legal experts consulted by AMC note that while these offences have been punishable under Section 64 of the Gujarat Police Act, enforcement gaps have existed due to limited monitoring and public awareness. The current crackdown addresses these gaps by combining technology, legal action, and community engagement.
Background and Prior Incidents
Public spitting and urination have long been a challenge in urban India, contributing to health hazards and environmental degradation. The 2011 Census of India indicated that Ahmedabad had significant challenges in sanitation infrastructure, despite improvements since then. The city’s ranking as the cleanest large city in the Swachh Survekshan survey 2023 was a landmark achievement, driven by AMC’s investments in public toilets, waste management, and awareness campaigns.
Ahmedabad’s innovative schemes, such as the “One Rupee Toilet Use” incentive program launched in 2022, have aimed to encourage residents to utilize public sanitation facilities. However, sporadic violations, particularly in crowded localities like Dariapur and Gomtipur, persisted, prompting this renewed enforcement push.
State-wide, Gujarat has been proactive in sanitation reforms, aligning with the central government’s Swachh Bharat Mission objectives. The AMC’s new measures also complement infrastructure developments like the Ahmedabad Metro Phase 2, which require clean, hygienic urban spaces to support growing commuter traffic.
Official Response and Community Impact
AMC Commissioner Vijay Nehra stated, “Our city’s cleanliness is a reflection of our civic pride. Strict enforcement of the Gujarat Police Act is essential to maintain Ahmedabad’s world-class status, especially with upcoming international events and the city’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics.”
The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, added, “We are leveraging technology and community cooperation to ensure compliance. Citizens must understand the health and environmental risks of such behaviours and cooperate fully.”
Local resident associations in districts like Vastrapur and Satellite have welcomed the crackdown, noting improvements in street cleanliness and reduced foul smells in public places. However, some NGOs request complementary measures including increased public toilet availability and education campaigns targeting migrant populations and informal workers.
What Residents Should Do:
- Use designated public toilets provided by AMC, located in major markets, railway stations, and bus depots.
- Report violations of public spitting or urination via the AMC’s digital complaint portal or the Ahmedabad City Police helpline 100.
- Educate family members, especially children, about the importance of sanitation and personal hygiene.
- Participate in local cleanliness drives organized by AMC or resident welfare associations.
For more information or to report offences, citizens can visit the official AMC website at https://ahmedabadcity.gov.in or contact their nearest police station. To explore Ahmedabad’s rich cultural heritage while supporting clean city initiatives, residents and visitors may also consider participating in the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk.