Halol, a town in Gujarat, has witnessed a significant event as the old shopping centre on Pavagadh Road was demolished by the municipal authorities. The shopping centre, which had been in a dilapidated state for about 30 years, was brought down on Monday. This action came after several notices were issued to the shopkeepers over the years, warning them of the impending demolition due to safety concerns.
The old shopping centre, located opposite a pond, was declared unsafe by the Halol Municipality. Authorities had notified the shopkeepers as early as 2015 about the need for demolition. However, despite the warnings, the shopping centre remained operational until now. Recently, another notice was issued in 2024, reiterating the need for its removal.
On the day of demolition, municipal officials, led by Chief Officer Hirall Thakar, arrived at the site with a bulldozer and a strong police presence. They faced immediate resistance from the shopkeepers, who protested against the demolition. Tensions escalated as shopkeepers argued with the municipal officials, leading to a scene of chaos.
As news of the demolition spread, a large crowd gathered to witness the event. Many residents expressed their concerns about the safety of the shopping centre as well. The Chief Officer explained that the decision to demolish was prompted by a recent incident where an adjacent dilapidated building collapsed. This raised alarms about the safety of the old shopping centre, necessitating immediate action.
Thakar stated that the municipality had filed a case in court regarding this matter. However, he clarified that there were no financial disputes between the municipality and the shopkeepers, as the latter were tenants. He mentioned that the demolition was solely focused on removing unsafe structures.
The ownership of the shopping centre came into question during the protests. When asked about the ownership, Thakar indicated that it belonged to a doctor, although the specific details were unclear. The shopkeepers, on the other hand, claimed to be unaware of the ownership status.
The demolition of the old shopping centre marks a significant change in this part of Halol. The municipality aims to enhance safety and possibly pave the way for new developments in the area. The local government has stated its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining the infrastructure in Halol.
Residents and shopkeepers alike are left to wonder what the future holds for this location. As Halol continues to grow and evolve, the demolition serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in public spaces. The local authorities have promised to keep the community informed about future developments and plans for the area. Meanwhile, the shopkeepers will need to find new locations for their businesses as the old shopping centre is now just a memory.
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