Ahmedabad civic body approves ‘tea-snacks’ bill worth over Rs. 16 lakh for AI Crash site teams

AMC Standing Committee Greenlights Refreshment Expenses

In a recent decision, the Standing Committee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has approved a bill exceeding Rs 16 lakh for refreshments served to teams involved in the aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash. The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, sending shockwaves through the city and claiming numerous lives. Rescue, relief, and debris clearance operations stretched over nearly a month, mobilizing municipal employees, government officials, and volunteers from charitable groups. These efforts unfolded at four key locations, including the primary crash site, demanding relentless work under challenging conditions. To sustain the teams, arrangements were made for essentials like tea, snacks, bottled water, milk, and biscuits. An external agency handled the supply, with all bills meticulously verified and certified by the food safety officer before submission for approval. The proposal came up during Thursday's standing committee meeting, marking a formal close to these operational costs. This approval underscores the civic body's commitment to supporting frontline responders in times of crisis, even as it highlights the substantial logistics behind such disaster management.

Details of the Crash Response and Refreshment Provisions

The Air India Flight 171 disaster prompted an immediate and coordinated response from multiple agencies. AMC played a pivotal role alongside the Gujarat government and various charitable organizations in carrying out continuous operations for body searches, debris removal, and site restoration. Teams worked round the clock, facing emotional and physical strain amid the wreckage spread across sensitive areas. Refreshments became crucial to keep morale high and energy levels steady during these grueling shifts. The Rs 16.7 lakh expenditure covered provisions at all deployment sites, ensuring no one went without basic sustenance. Food safety protocols were strictly followed, with officers confirming the quality and authenticity of every invoice. This meticulous process reflects standard procedures for reimbursing crisis-related expenses, preventing any lapses in accountability. As Ahmedabad continues to heal from the tragedy, such measures remind the public of the unseen efforts that aid recovery. The approval not only settles the financial aspect but also honors the dedication of those who toiled at the forefront.

"These refreshments were vital for keeping our teams going through long hours at the crash site; approving the bill ensures we can focus on future preparedness without pending dues," said an AMC official involved in the operations.

Broader Context of AMC's Budget and Resource Allocation

This approval arrives amid ongoing discussions around AMC's fiscal responsibilities, including its massive Rs 17,018 crore budget for 2026-27. The civic body has faced scrutiny over resource deployment, such as when food inspectors were temporarily reassigned from citywide hygiene checks to oversee snacks during a recent budget meeting. That incident involved all 15 inspectors monitoring tea, biscuits, and other items for councillors over 13 hours, pausing routine inspections across 480 sq km. While unrelated directly to the crash bill, it points to patterns in how AMC prioritizes tasks during high-profile events. Staffing shortages exacerbate these issues, with recruitment for more inspectors still underway despite announcements nearly a year ago. On the budget front, allocations span infrastructure, environment, and social projects, from flood mitigation to riverfront developments, without new taxes. The standing committee's nod to the crash expenses fits into this framework, balancing emergency outlays with long-term urban needs. Critics might question the scale, but proponents view it as essential welfare support.

Public reaction to the approval has been mixed, with some appreciating the gesture towards responders while others ponder if such costs could redirect towards daily services like food safety. Nonetheless, the decision aligns with verified expenditures from a dire situation. AMC's actions post-crash demonstrate resilience in crisis management, from immediate aid to financial closure. As the city moves forward, this episode highlights the human element in governance—sustaining those who sustain the community.

In summary, the AMC's approval of the Rs 16 lakh-plus tea-snacks bill closes a chapter on the Air India crash response, affirming support for dedicated teams while navigating broader budgetary priorities and operational challenges.