Rajkot: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has issued a notice under Section 260(1) of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations (GPMC) Act to Vinodbhai Pedhadiya, husband of Rajkot Mayor Nayanaben Pedhadiya, over alleged unauthorised commercial construction on a notified plot on Sant Kabir Road.

The action comes after a media report revealed that construction had begun on the notified plot without obtaining mandatory approvals. Following the disclosure, details were reportedly submitted to the Town Planning (TP) branch, prompting officials to initiate action.

Notice Under Section 260(1)

Under the 260(1) notice, the owner has been directed to submit documentary proof establishing the legality of the construction or voluntarily remove the unauthorised structure. The notice seeks clarification within seven days.

If a satisfactory explanation is not provided, or if the construction is found to be illegal, the Corporation may proceed under Section 260(2) of the GPMC Act, which empowers the civic body to issue a final demolition notice and remove the unauthorised construction.

Officials from the TP department, including an Assistant Town Planner, have halted further construction activity at the site. A surveyor was also dispatched to ensure compliance and to warn against continuing any additional construction. Authorities have ordered maintenance of status quo until further proceedings are completed.

Allegations of Encroachment Beyond Plot Limits

The controversy has intensified with allegations that the construction extends beyond the notified plot and includes encroachment on public property. According to the report, a portion of the adjoining footpath has allegedly been occupied. It is further claimed that municipal signage and a Gujarat Gas utility connection box were enclosed within the site by erecting barriers, and a gate was installed opening onto the road.

Mayor Nayanaben Pedhadiya has acknowledged that the plot is a notified one and that construction was undertaken without prior approval. However, she has denied encroaching upon government land, stating that not “even one foot” of public property has been occupied beyond the plot boundary.

The matter has sparked public debate, with critics questioning whether municipal enforcement norms are being applied uniformly. Further action will depend on the response submitted to the 260(1) notice and the findings of the ongoing scrutiny by the Town Planning department. DeshGujarat