One of the biggest demolition drives in Ahmedabad’s history entered its second day near Chandola Lake, as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) continued removing nearly 2,000 illegal structures.The area, often referred to as ‘Mini Bangladesh’, has been under the scanner for many years due to reports of illegal activities including drug trafficking, gambling, and links to terrorism.
The demolition work was carried out with around 50 teams and heavy machinery. According to AMC officials, about 50-60% of the structures have already been removed. The estate teams from all seven zones are involved in the operation.
A group of 18 residents filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court requesting a stay on the demolition, arguing that they were Indian citizens with valid documents such as Aadhaar and ration cards. They said they had been living in the area since the 1970s and were not given any prior notice about the demolition.
However, the High Court rejected their plea. Justice Mauna Bhatt said that the structures were illegal under Section 37 of the Land Revenue Code, which allows removal of encroachments on public land. The court also said those who qualify under government policies from 2010 and 2013 can apply to the AMC for rehabilitation.
Some of the residents claimed the action was unfair, as it had not been proven that all those living in the area were illegal immigrants. Their lawyer said that even if the residents were illegal occupants, they should have been given at least 15 days’ notice. The police, however, reported that four Bangladeshi nationals had been arrested in the area for links to the banned terror group Al Qaeda.
State Minister of Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi welcomed the court’s decision, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a meeting with senior police officials to review the situation.
The demolition work continues, and authorities have said that anyone eligible for relief or rehabilitation can apply through proper channels.