Ahmedabad: Despite multiple attempts by the civic body to alleviate traffic congestion around Vastrapur Lake, the efforts have largely failed due to the unsuccessful relocation of street food vendors. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has been unable to find a permanent solution, leading to widespread frustration among residents. The area around the lake has seen a surge in traffic, driven by a bustling food market, new residential projects, and the presence of malls and multiplexes.

For five years, AMC has been considering shifting the food vendors. A proposal to create alternative facilities on two nearby plots has been repeatedly delayed. In 2019, AMC officials proposed establishing a food court near Sanjivani Hospital to relocate the vendors and allocated Rs 44.37 crore for the project under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana. However, the initiative was scrapped after a change in the deputy municipal commissioner (DyMC). The new DyMC proposed building a food court within the redesigned lake’s amphitheatre to accommodate the stalls.

The food court was also intended to feature 55 stalls for food chains, with a nearby plot valued at Rs 100 crore designated for parking. However, in August, the standing committee rejected this plan. Additionally, the original proposal to remove the lake’s surrounding wall to enhance its visibility has been revised.