In a landmark move, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) plans to demolish more than 1,400 houses located along the banks of the Jangleshwar and Aaji rivers starting Monday, February 23. This operation is being touted as the largest demolition in Rajkot’s history.
To ensure safety during this massive endeavor, city officials have ramped up security measures. Over 2,500 police personnel are on standby, ready to handle any potential resistance. The RMC has mobilized more than 1,130 employees armed with special gear like aprons and helmets alongside 260 excavation vehicles as they prepare to clear approximately 87,000 square meters of land.
Why this drastic action? According to RMC officials, the area poses significant safety risks due to its narrow streets and vulnerability to annual flooding from the Aji River during monsoon season. They argue that rescue operations become nearly impossible when accidents occur there. Furthermore, some parts of this region are notorious for criminal activities.
The administration insists it has already offered alternative housing solutions for those affected — evidenced by video documentation they’ve provided. As of Sunday evening prior to the demolition date, around 225 families had voluntarily vacated their homes.
But that’s not all; strict regulations have been put into place in Rajkot leading up to this operation. Authorities have invoked Section 163 of BNSS which allows executive magistrates to issue immediate orders aimed at protecting public safety without prior notice in emergencies. Coupled with this is a ban on drone flights across the city from February 23 through February 25.
The implications are clear: gatherings exceeding four people are forbidden until February 26 as part of maintaining order during this tumultuous time. Residents are feeling anxious — will there be further repercussions if protests arise? Yet many understand why such measures are necessary given past flooding issues and ongoing safety concerns.
This monumental demolition reflects not just a physical clearing but also an attempt by city leaders to address longstanding issues related to urban planning and public safety in Rajkot. The administration’s efforts demonstrate how vital it is for cities like Rajkot — whose infrastructure faces immense pressure — to take decisive action when needed.