Ahmedabad, May 20 – The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), with the support of a large police contingent, began the final phase of its anti-encroachment drive near Chandola Lake on Tuesday, targeting illegal structures spread across approximately 2.5 lakh square meters of land. As per agency report, the operation began in the morning under tight security arrangements, with the deployment of around 3,000 personnel including members of the State Reserve Police (SRP).
In the initial phase of the campaign last month, AMC had cleared around 1.25 lakh square meters in the Danilimda area, which included the removal of unauthorized houses belonging to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Authorities confirmed that 202 Bangladeshi nationals residing unlawfully in the area were detained prior to the operation.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal stated that the second and final phase aims to clear the remaining encroachments. He confirmed that the campaign will continue until all illegal structures are removed. Prior to the operation, AMC conducted an extensive survey which revealed widespread unauthorized occupation around the lake. A subsequent drone survey confirmed the existence of approximately 8,000 illegally constructed houses on the land.
AMC had earlier announced that residents who had been living in the area since 2010 or earlier would be eligible for alternative housing. Many families had already begun relocating their belongings ahead of the demolition.
To execute the operation efficiently, at least 50 AMC teams commenced work early in the day. By midday, about 30 percent of the encroached land had been cleared. In addition, 50 drones were deployed to monitor the area closely and ensure smooth conduct of the demolition drive.
This large-scale effort highlights the civic authority’s push to reclaim public land and restore the natural surroundings of Chandola Lake while also addressing concerns related to illegal settlement and urban planning.
