Chandola Lake Demolition Drive Begins In Ahmedabad: WATCH
Phase 2 of the demolition drive in Chandola lake area follows the successful clearance of 1.5 lakh square meters in Phase 1. Over 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.
The second phase of a large-scale demolition drive targeting illegal encroachments near Ahmedabad’s Chandola Lake began Tuesday morning. It is aimed at clearing an estimated 2.5 lakh square meters of unauthorised structures.
More than 3,000 police personnel deployed have been deployed to maintain law and order. Senior officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the police are also present at the spot today. Click here to watch the drone visuals from the demolition drive.
Heavy Police Presence As Demolition Begins
To ensure a smooth execution of the demolition, authorities have roped in over 3,000 police personnel along with 25 companies of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF). The operation, spearheaded jointly by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and city police, is expected to continue over the next three to four days.
"The second phase of removing illegal encroachments from Chandola area has started today. 25 companies of SRP and 3000 policemen have been deployed. All constructions in this area are illegal and are being removed," Ahmedabad DCP Ravi Mohan Saini said.
Phase 2 of the drive follows the successful clearance of 1.5 lakh square meters in Phase 1.
Loudspeaker Warnings And EWS Housing Notices
Residents living in the targeted areas have been issued repeated warnings through loudspeaker announcements over the past two days, advising them to vacate their homes ahead of the demolition. Civic authorities have also informed residents who were settled in the area before 2010 that they may qualify for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing and that forms for EWS accommodation can be collected from the Danilimda ward office, Times Of India reported.
The civic body is reportedly taking special care to ensure that eligible families are informed of rehabilitation options, even as the clearing operation continues.
Chandola Area Under Scanner For Illegal Activity
According to police data, the Chandola locality has long been under scrutiny due to the presence of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants. In 2024 alone, police detained 250 illegal immigrants across the city, with 207 of them being picked up from the Chandola area. Over 200 of these individuals have since been deported. Law enforcement officials have also linked parts of the area to various unlawful activities, prompting intensified surveillance and subsequent clearance efforts.
Police Commissioner GS Malik emphasised that patrol units will remain active in the area until the entire operation concludes, in a bid to prevent any disturbances. "Maintaining law and order during the operation is our top priority," he said, as reported by TOI.
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