Ahmedabad, In a significant move to reclaim public land and address unauthorized settlements, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in collaboration with the Gujarat Police, initiated a large-scale demolition drive targeting illegal encroachments near Chandola Lake.

Coordinated Effort to Address Encroachments

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, involved the deployment of over 50 JCB machines and approximately 2,000 police personnel. The targeted area had reportedly become a hub for illegal settlements, with many occupants allegedly being Bangladeshi nationals residing without valid documentation.

Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sharad Singhal stated, “The area had numerous unauthorized constructions. Our coordinated effort aims to remove these encroachments and restore the land for its intended public use.”

Preceding Actions and Detentions

Prior to the demolition, authorities conducted a pre-dawn operation detaining around 890 individuals from the area. Of these, 143 were confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals without valid documentation, while 300 individuals were released after verification of their Indian citizenship. The remaining detainees are undergoing further scrutiny to ascertain their legal status.

Residents recounted the early morning operation, expressing concerns over the suddenness of the action. One local resident remarked, “We were startled by the police presence at 3 AM. It was a tense situation, especially for families with children.”

Discovery of Unauthorized Structures and Activities

During the demolition, officials uncovered several unauthorized structures, including a farmhouse equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, a garden, and a children’s play area. Investigations revealed that the property was constructed illegally on encroached land.

Additionally, authorities discovered a storage facility containing country liquor, indicating the presence of illicit activities within the encroached area. These findings have prompted further investigations into the extent of unauthorized operations in the vicinity.

Impact on Local Community and Future Measures

The demolition drive has significantly impacted the local community, with many residents now displaced. While some have been identified as illegal occupants, others claim Indian citizenship and are seeking clarity on their status.

AMC officials emphasized the importance of the operation in reclaiming public land and ensuring lawful habitation. “Our objective is to restore the area for the benefit of the broader community and prevent unauthorized use of public resources,” an AMC spokesperson stated.

Moving forward, the AMC plans to implement stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent future encroachments and ensure that public lands are utilized appropriately.

Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Settlements

This operation is part of a broader initiative by the Gujarat government to address illegal settlements across the state. Similar actions have been undertaken in other regions, including Vadodara and Surat, where authorities have identified and detained individuals residing without valid documentation.

State officials have reiterated their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that public lands are protected from unauthorized occupation. The government plans to continue these efforts to maintain order and legality in urban development.

Community Response and Support

While the operation has received support from various quarters for its aim to uphold the law, concerns have been raised regarding the humanitarian aspects of the demolition. Advocacy groups have called for measures to ensure that displaced individuals, especially those with legitimate claims to residency, are provided with appropriate support and avenues for legal recourse.

In response, government officials have indicated plans to establish help centers to assist affected individuals in verifying their documentation and exploring legal options for residency.

The demolition drive at Chandola Lake marks a significant step in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s efforts to address illegal settlements and reclaim public land. While the operation underscores the government’s commitment to lawful urban development, it also highlights the need for balanced approaches that consider both legal enforcement and humanitarian concerns.

As the city moves forward, continued dialogue between authorities, community members, and advocacy groups will be essential in ensuring that urban development is both lawful and inclusive.