The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday launched a drive to demolish encroachments around Vanarvat Lake in the Vatva area of the city’s south zone, aiming to reclaim nearly 58,000 square metres of land as part of an ambitious lake rejuvenation and interlinking project.
Civic officials said the drive targets unauthorised constructions spread across the lake periphery, including 430 residential units and around 30 commercial establishments. Heavy machinery, including 10 Hitachi excavators and five JCB machines, has been deployed to expedite the operation, with a significant police presence maintained to ensure law and order.
“Encroachments over the years have significantly reduced the effective water-holding capacity of the lake. Removing these structures is essential for long-term water management and environmental protection,” a senior civic official said.