Junagadh: Bringing an end to prolonged demands by local residents and various Hindu organisations, the Revenue Department of the Government of Gujarat has officially declared several residential societies and areas within Junagadh town as “disturbed areas” under the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, 1991.

The notification, issued on February 18, 2026, covers around 18 societies in two wards — Khamdhrol and Joshipura. The move has been welcomed by residents, with a palpable sense of relief reported following the government’s decision.

Societies and Areas Under Notification

The Act has been enforced for a period of five years, effective from February 18, 2026, to February 17, 2031. The declaration specifically applies to areas falling within the Khamdhrol and Joshipura wards.

According to the official schedule, the following societies and residential zones have been categorised as disturbed areas:

Under Section 1 (Khamdhrol Area):

• Hemvan Society

• Rajmoti Society

• Prernadham-1 & 2

• Kalapinagar

• Punam Park

• Sudarshan Park

• Shyamal Park

• Krishnapark

• Dwarkesang

• Gokuldham Society

• Arjun Park Society

• Khodiyar Nagar

• River Villa

Under Section 2 (Joshipura Area):

• Sarvoday Society

• Adityanagar

• Nandanvan Society

• Amritkala Society

• Bhagirath Duplex

The notification further clarifies that the restrictions will also apply to a 500-metre radius surrounding these declared disturbed zones.

Legal Impact on Property Owners

Under the provisions of the Act, all transfers of immovable property situated in these disturbed areas during the specified five-year period shall be deemed null and void unless prior permission is obtained. Property owners are prohibited from transferring any immovable property without the prior sanction of the Collector of Junagadh district.

In a separate notification issued on the same date, February 18, 2026, the Government of Gujarat delegated the powers of the Collector regarding property transfer sanctions to the Prant Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Junagadh to streamline the process.

The implementation of the Act is aimed at preventing distress sales and maintaining demographic equilibrium in areas considered sensitive to communal or civil unrest.

Residents Express Relief

Local residents in the newly notified zones have expressed significant relief. “We, the residents of Sarvoday Society, feel a great sense of joy. In the past, there were several attempts by antisocial elements to buy or rent houses in the society, which hurt our religious and social sentiments. We have been working for four to five years to get this Act implemented,” a local resident told the media.

Social leader Haresh Parsana added, “With the implementation of the Disturbed Areas Act, the alleged ‘property jihad’ that was going on will stop. It was necessary to prevent migration from these areas. This is just the first phase; efforts are ongoing for the remaining areas.” DeshGujarat