The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will initiate the second phase of its demolition drive at Chandola Lake on Tuesday, targeting widespread unauthorised encroachments in the vicinity. The action follows extensive planning and consultations with senior officials, including the AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, and a high-level meeting attended by Police Commissioner GS Malik.
This phase aims to clear approximately 2.5 lakh square metres of illegal construction, following the removal of encroachments from 1.5 lakh square metres during the first phase.&nbsp;
The operation will be carried out by the Estate Department, with teams from all AMC zones taking part. A survey identifying the unauthorised structures has already been conducted, and sketches of the encroachments have been prepared to guide the demolition teams.
Authorities estimate that more than 10,000 illegal houses and shanties will be removed. Prior to the commencement of demolition, notices were issued instructing encroachers to vacate the area.&nbsp;
Residents who have been living in the Chandola Lake area since before 2010 are eligible to receive alternate housing under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme. Forms for alternative housing have already been distributed by the AMC.
To ensure order during the operation, over 3,000 police personnel, including 25 teams from the State Reserve Police (SRP), will be deployed. Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed, &ldquo;The police&rsquo;s primary role is to provide security during the demolition process.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Due to the scale of the encroachments, many of which extend onto public roads, the operation is expected to take two to three days.
Speaking to Benefit News, Municipal Corporation Pani said, &ldquo;There will be nearly 50 teams of the AMC in the second phase. We have received the support of local enforcement and government as well.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The Chandola Lake region, located in the city's south zone and covering around 11 lakh square metres, has become a focal point for illegal settlements, particularly by Bangladeshi nationals.&nbsp;
Officials reported that the lake area has served as a base for unauthorised activities, prompting the AMC to intensify enforcement. So far in 2025, 250 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended across Ahmedabad, with 207 detained specifically in the Chandola Lake area. More than 200 of them have been deported. Encroachments by Indian nationals have also been identified and addressed.
The demolition effort is being overseen by multiple departments under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of the South Zone and the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the Estate Department. Following the clearance of illegal structures, the AMC plans to erect boundary walls and fencing around Chandola Lake to prevent further encroachment.
AMC officials stated that removing the encroachments is critical not only to facilitate urban development but also to tackle the illegal activities that have proliferated in the area.
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AMC will clear 2.5 lakh sqm of illegal structures near Chandola Lake from May 20, displacing over 10,000 units.

AMC Gears Up for Chandola Lake Demolition Phase 2

AMC will clear 2.5 lakh sqm of illegal structures near Chandola Lake from May 20, displacing over 10,000 units.

May 19, 2025 | 17:34 IST