The Gujarat government has issued a notification imposing a 180-day ban on strikes by personnel providing essential services under the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS).&nbsp;
The prohibition will come into effect from July 12, 2025 and applies to workers falling under Class I, II, and III categories as defined in Chapter IV of Schedule-A of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949.
The state government took the decision in light of emerging reports suggesting a potential strike by these employees. In a move to safeguard public safety and ensure continuity in crucial municipal operations, the government has declared a state of emergency in Ahmedabad under Section 62 of the Act.
According to the directive, during the effective period of the strike ban, employees in essential services are barred from withdrawing from duties unless incapacitated by illness or accident. Furthermore, refusal or negligence in discharging duties is prohibited, with the aim of maintaining the uninterrupted functioning of vital civic services for the city&rsquo;s population.
The imposition of the strike restriction coincides with severe civic challenges in Ahmedabad, brought to the forefront by intense rainfall measuring 15 inches over the past month. The heavy precipitation has highlighted significant deficiencies in municipal infrastructure, particularly the poor condition of city roads.
Following the deterioration, AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani has instructed municipal officers to address and repair approximately 3,000 potholes throughout the city within a span of three days. The commissioner also ordered swift deployment of teams during heavy rains to facilitate quick drainage and prevent waterlogging.
The urgency follows a fatal incident in Odhav last week, where a biker was swept away in floodwater caused by torrential rain. After the tragedy, Commissioner Pani inspected various localities, engaged with residents, and evaluated the ongoing works of the civic body.&nbsp;
During a meeting, he strongly criticised the Water Resources Management department regarding the state of the city&rsquo;s lakes. He questioned, &ldquo;You speak about interlinking of lakes. If the lakes are really interlinked, why is sewage water flowing into them?&rdquo;
Despite active efforts, over 3,000 potholes remain unattended across Ahmedabad. Pani issued further instructions to expedite the drainage of water from key routes, including service roads of the SP Ring Road and flood-prone zones such as Bopal and the Madhumalati Housing Scheme in Nikol.
In East Ahmedabad, 479 potholes have been identified in areas such as Gomtipur, Amraiwadi, Bhaipura, Ramol, Hatijan, Vastral, Odhav, Nikol, and Viratnagar. Of these, 74 potholes are linked to the stormwater drainage line. So far, Rs 7 lakh has been spent to repair 392 potholes.
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Ahmedabad’s civic response intensifies with worker strike ban and pothole deadlines.

Gujarat Govt Bans Strikes, AMC Battles Rain-Hit Roads

Ahmedabad’s civic response intensifies with worker strike ban and pothole deadlines.

July 3, 2025 | 19:17 IST