Ahmedabad: Following a recent large-scale demolition of illegal encroachments at Chandola Lake, another major demolition drive was launched today in the Juhapura area of the city. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), under heavy police presence, began demolishing 292 illegal houses and shops.

In an official statement, AMC stated that notices had been served under the provisions of the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976, to obtain possession of Final Plot No. 92/1 (Residential, Area – 20,273 sq.m.), Final Plot No. 92/2 (School, Area – 4,000 sq.m.), and an 18-meter-wide road, 850 meters in length, under TP Scheme No. 84/A (Makarba) in the South West Zone of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.

Later, a petition was filed in the Gujarat High Court by 62 occupants challenging the implementation of the notice. The High Court ordered that the action could proceed, provided that alternative arrangements were made for eligible residents, and subsequently disposed of the petition.

The civic body further stated that a total of 292 structures were found on the land. “Since none of the occupants submitted evidence of residency prior to 2010, the process of opening the road under the TP scheme and reclaiming the municipal reserve plot was initiated with the assistance of Sarkhej Police Station. Two Hitachi machines, four JCBs, and 56 private laborers were deployed. So far, 84 residential structures have been removed, and a 350-meter stretch of the TP road has been opened,” the statement added.

The demolition work will continue tomorrow with five Hitachi machines and three JCBs. DeshGujarat