In Ahmedabad, the local government has launched a major demolition operation in the Bapunagar area, particularly targeting illegal structures in the Akbar Nagar region. On Thursday, May 29, morning, authorities used bulldozers to demolish more than 400 structures, both permanent and temporary. This action comes shortly after similar actions were taken at the Chandola Talav area, where illegal encroachments were also cleared.
According to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), residents had received prior warnings to vacate their illegally constructed homes. Many of these structures had been built after residents had previously been allocated government housing in the Vatva area. Despite this, some individuals returned to Bapunagar and continued to occupy the land illegally.
The demolition operation involved five JCB machines and eight Hitachi machines, along with several trucks. The municipal team began the demolition early in the morning, and residents hurriedly removed their belongings from the sites. To maintain order and prevent any unwanted incidents, a heavy police presence was arranged around the area.
Prakash Gurjari, a corporator from the BJP representing the Bapunagar area, stated that the Akbar Nagar locality, known for its slum-like structures, falls under AMC’s jurisdiction. Encroachments have been a long-standing issue in this area. After a survey was conducted, residents were provided with alternative housing in government projects, yet many returned to the same location and rebuilt their structures. Recently, some individuals known for anti-social activities, including threatening police officers with weapons, were also reported to reside in this area.
The operation, aimed at restoring order and legality in the region, is part of a broader effort by the AMC to address illegal encroachments and improve city planning. The authority has faced criticism in the past for not acting decisively against such structures, and this latest action is seen as a step towards rectifying that.
Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the demolitions. Some were relieved that action was finally being taken, while others lamented the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Many families have lived in these structures for years, and the sudden removal has left them in a state of uncertainty.
In response to the demolitions, the AMC has reiterated its commitment to urban development and maintaining public safety. It aims to ensure that all residents have access to legal and safe housing. The corporation is expected to continue monitoring the area for further illegal constructions and will take necessary actions as needed.
The demolition in Bapunagar is part of a larger trend in Ahmedabad, where the municipal government is increasingly cracking down on illegal constructions across the city. Residents are urged to comply with housing regulations and seek alternative housing solutions through official channels to avoid future demolitions. The government’s message is clear: illegal encroachments will not be tolerated, and the law will be enforced to maintain the integrity of the city’s urban landscape.
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