Opposition flags fire safety gaps, rising dog attacks

Ahmedabad: Allegations over rising loss to properties due to fire incidents and dog bite cases dominated Tuesday's general board meeting of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), with the opposition questioning the civic body's preparedness and priorities.Opposition leader Shehzad Khan Pathan claimed that between 2019-20 and 2023-24, fire incidents in the city caused property damage worth Rs 440.91 crore. Despite this, he alleged, 316 posts remain vacant in the Fire and Emergency Services department. Of 18 sanctioned fire station officer posts across 18 fire stations, only six are filled, he alleged. He also pointed out that a 100m hydraulic platform approved 1.5 years ago was yet to be delivered.
Pathan further raised concerns over rising dog bite cases. Between 2021-22 and 2025-26, around 40,000 dog-related complaints and 3.41 lakh dog bite cases were recorded, he said. The civic body spent Rs 13.46 crore on sterilising 1.38 lakh dogs during the same period, but cases continue to rise.Standing committee chairman Devang Dani said new fire stations are being planned at a ratio of one per 10 sq km and recruitment was underway. He added that new dog shelters were being built as per the Supreme Court guidelines.