Ahmedabad: In the wake of the controversy surrounding the Makarba railway overbridge in Vejalpur, the AMC standing committee on Thursday decided to return the proposal for road widening and construction of the Jantanagar overbridge in Gota ward. The committee ordered a detailed survey before taking a final call on whether the overbridge is required.Standing committee chairman Kamlesh Patel said the proposal was placed before the committee as part of the nationwide gate-free campaign. However, instead of granting immediate approval, the committee directed officials to examine alternative traffic-management measures, including junction improvements, one-way traffic systems, and signal optimisation.The committee also discussed measures to prevent food adulteration ahead of Navratri and Diwali festivals. Patel said the health department has been directed to intensify inspections of food markets at night in addition to routine daytime checks. Officials have been asked to ensure strict adherence to quality, hygiene and food-safety norms, particularly at roadside food markets during the festive season.On the sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, Patel said the civic body has instructed officials to ensure that traders comply with all mandatory permissions and regulations. Firecracker businesses are required to obtain approvals, including AMC Building Use (BU) permission, fire department clearance and police permission.The chairman said AMC earned around Rs 36,000 in revenue over the past week through the smart parking facility on CG Road. However, improper parking by motorists unfamiliar with the online parking system has led to traffic issues. The committee has instructed the department concerned to install guidance boards explaining the parking and payment process.Only 75 applications received for rain-damage reliefSpeaking about compensation claims following the heavy rainfall that hit Ahmedabad on July 23, Patel said only 75 applications had been received citywide before the Sept 30 deadline for seeking govt assistance. Relief will be granted after scrutiny of the documents and assessment of the reported losses. Sources said several affluent housing societies in Bopal and nearby areas suffered significant damage during the rains, but the compensation amounts offered under govt scheme were too low to encourage many residents to apply.
