Ahmedabad: In light of the power crisis in the state, AMC has decided not to go all out on Diwali illuminations like every year when it decks up all heritage and govt buildings in decorative lights. The AMC standing committee at its Thursday meeting has decided to illuminate only seven locations.Committee chairman Kamlesh Patel said, “Previously, bridges on the Sabarmati River, traffic circles, underpasses and govt buildings would be lit up. From Dhanteras to Labh Pancham this year, AMC will only illuminate six bridges on the Sabarmati and the Nagardevi Bhadrakali Mata Temple. The lights, which would earlier remain switched on from 7pm to 7am, will now be turned off at 1am, except on Diwali and New Year.”AMC also is working to check water wastage. “Instructions have been issued for inspections in areas with high water consumption and to locate illegal connections in AMC limits. The legality of water connections will be checked at car washing stations, PG accommodations, and lodging-boarding facilities having a large number of rooms. All illegal lines will be disconnected,” the standing committee chairman said.He reiterated that sweet and farsan traders with a turnover of over Rs 5 lakh must keep rapid testing kits, which customers can use at the shop itself to check quality of the items they are buying, especially delicacies made from mawa. One kit costs around Rs 3,000 and currently 350 establishments have them, Patel said.He called the deaths of two workers at Sola STP tragic and said workplace safety is imperative. Patel said, “Besides action against the contractor, the responsibility of the concerned officers should also be fixed. The point that such accidents could have been avoided if safety equipment had been properly used during operations is also important. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
