Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Estate Department carried out a major demolition operation in Akbarnagar, located in the Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad city. The settlement, situated behind the SP office near the Ajit Mill intersection, had over 400 illegal huts and small mud-brick houses. These structures were demolished within two hours using five JCBs and more than eight Hitachi machines, under tight police security.

According to officials, prior eviction notices had been served to residents before the demolition took place. In 2014, 221 residents were allotted alternative housing in Vatwa, but 76 of them continued to reside in Akbarnagar. Following the demolition, debris removal is currently underway. Once completed, the land will be levelled and a boundary wall will be constructed to secure the area.

Vishal Khanama, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of AMC’s North Zone, stated that the demolition was carried out on municipal land in the Akbarnagar Chhapra locality using 5 JCBs, 2 Hitachi breakers, 7 Hitachi machines, and 14 other heavy machines, with the support of 100 labourers. A total of 15,000 square meters of land was cleared. Notices regarding the illegal constructions had been issued earlier, and today’s action followed due process, executed with extensive police arrangements.

ACP R.D. Ojha of H Division added that a comprehensive police deployment was in place to ensure law and order during the operation. The security included 2 ACPs, 9 PIs, 27 PSIs, around 400 police personnel, and 10 SRP sections. The demolition was carried out peacefully without any major disturbance.

AMC officials further stated that plans are under consideration to utilize the cleared space for public amenities such as a library, garden, and ward office. The boundary wall to be constructed will help prevent future encroachments. DeshGujarat