Ahmedabad: With large-scale development work set to begin around the world’s largest Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, action has been initiated against encroachments in the adjoining Sabarmati area. The Asaram Ashram, located next to the stadium on state government-owned land, has been served a notice by the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

“There are 32 illegal structures at the Asaram Ashram in the Sabarmati area of the West Zone. Notices have been issued by the Estate Department of the Corporation to demolish these structures. An application was submitted under the Impact Fee Act to regularise the illegal constructions, but the application has not been approved,” said Prakash Gurjar, Chairman of the AMC’s Legal Committee.

Officials said encroachments, including those at the Asaram Ashram, will be removed as part of the development plan around the Narendra Modi Stadium. After receiving notices from the AMC, the Ashram approached the appellate authority. However, the civic body has now instructed its legal team to seek early disposal of the case.

‘West Zone issues notices to demolish illegal structures’

Gurjar further said that Phase II development of the sports complex at the Sabarmati Narendra Modi Stadium is planned. For this purpose, the West Zone has issued notices to remove illegal constructions. He added that the matter is currently pending before the appellate authority, and the legal committee has directed the appointment of a lawyer to ensure speedy legal action.

It may be noted that the Asaram Ashram was first served a notice in 2023. Earlier reports had stated that land worth around ₹500 crore, including encroachments by the Ashram, would be cleared for the proposed expansion of the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, as Ahmedabad prepares to host the Commonwealth Games.

15,778 square metres of land to be cleared

According to notices issued by the city mamlatdar, the Asaram Ashram has allegedly encroached upon a total of 15,778 square metres of land. This includes Survey No. 282-A (6,489 sq metres), village pond land (3,185 sq metres), and Sabarmati river land (6,104 sq metres). Sources said that around four decades ago, the government had allotted approximately 33,980 square metres of land to the Ashram in Motera. However, a recent survey found the Ashram occupying 49,758 square metres, prompting authorities to issue notices for violation of allotment conditions and illegal encroachment. DeshGujarat