The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Thursday launched a major demolition drive to remove encroachments from Amba Lake in Isanpur as part of its lake rejuvenation and water conservation efforts.
The operation began in the morning amid tight police security and targeted illegal residential and commercial structures built on lake land over the years. According to AMC officials, more than 160 encroachments had come up near Moni Hotel in the Lambha ward of the South Zone, including around 147 residential units and 14 commercial establishments.
The civic body had earlier served notices to occupants, directing them to vacate the premises. Following the completion of the notice period, AMC initiated demolition work using more than five JCB and Hitachi machines.
Police personnel from Isanpur and Narol police stations were deployed to maintain law and order during the operation. Fire brigade teams and medical staff were also stationed at the site as a precautionary measure.
Officials said the drive will help reclaim nearly 26,000 square metres of encroached land, paving the way for deepening and rejuvenation of the lake to improve its water storage capacity.
AMC has also started the process of rehabilitating eligible affected families. Applications are being collected from long-term residents who can provide the necessary documents to qualify for alternative housing under government rehabilitation policies.
For families requiring immediate accommodation, temporary arrangements have been made at nearby rain baseras (night shelters), officials added.