Rajkot: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC), in coordination with the city police department, has finalised preparations for a mega demolition drive scheduled to begin on the morning of February 23. The operation aims to remove around 1,500 illegal houses in the Jangaleshwar area.

The demolition will target unauthorised structures located along the Aji River bank and on a 15-metre Town Planning (TP) road under Town Planning Scheme No. 6. To ensure the drive proceeds without disruption, a massive deployment has been arranged, including over 1,200 RMC staff members and more than 1,500 police personnel.

Ahead of the formal demolition, RMC teams have been visiting the site since February 19 to guide residents and facilitate the voluntary removal of encroachments. A final three-day deadline was given to residents to vacate their premises and clear their belongings. Civic officials stated that several residents have cooperated with the administration and have already begun vacating their structures voluntarily.

Officials have warned that the administration will not be held responsible for any loss of life or property if residents fail to clear the encroachments before the demolition begins on February 23.

The civic body has arranged over 260 machines and equipment, including 64 JCB machines, 84 tractors, seven Hitachi excavators, and 50 breakers. Teams from PGVCL, the police department, the fire brigade, and medical services will remain on standby.

According to the RMC, clearing the encroachments will open up the TP road, easing traffic congestion in the area. Additionally, removing obstructions from the Aji River bank is expected to help prevent waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon season, providing a long-term solution to recurring flood-related problems.

The impending drive has caused significant distress among local residents, with some families already beginning to vacate their homes voluntarily in order to salvage materials. DeshGujarat