The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) launched the second phase of its large-scale demolition drive around Chandola Lake on Tuesday at approximately 6 am, intensifying its efforts to clear illegal encroachments in the area. The operation targets around 2.5 lakh square metres of land near the smaller lake, following the clearance of 1.5 lakh square metres conducted during the initial phase several weeks ago.
The area under focus stretches from Suryanagar Police Chowki to Shah Alam and is known to house numerous makeshift and permanent structures, many of which have already been razed.&nbsp;
This region has long been identified as a centre for undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants. In 2025 alone, 250 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Ahmedabad, including 207 from the Chandola locality, with more than 200 of them deported. Authorities have identified approximately 8,000 illegal constructions for removal in this ongoing phase.
Within just two hours of commencement, AMC teams, equipped with 35 Hitachi machines and 15 JCBs, demolished over 1,000 unauthorised structures. A 100-metre stretch of road has now been fully cleared. In total, about 50 JCBs have been deployed as part of the operation, which is one of the most extensive anti-encroachment actions in the state&rsquo;s urban history.
To support the demolition and ensure public order, a substantial security arrangement has been put in place. Over 3,000 police personnel have been deployed alongside 25 companies of the State Reserve Police (SRP).&nbsp;
The law enforcement presence includes one Joint Commissioner of Police (JCP), one Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl. DCP), six Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), several Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), as well as numerous Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors.
Police Commissioner G S Malik, who participated in a high-level preparatory meeting on Sunday with senior AMC officials, stated, &ldquo;Our primary task will be to ensure law and order during the demolition.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Crime Branch Joint Commissioner of Police Sharad Singhal added that the drive would continue until all identified encroachments within the 2.5 lakh square metre area are cleared.
In the lead-up to the operation, civic officials had, over the past three days, used loudspeakers mounted on vehicles to inform residents of illegal settlements near the lake to vacate by May 20. Notices were issued in advance, and authorities advised residents who had settled in the area prior to 2010 to apply for housing assistance under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme, with application forms available at the Danilimda ward office.
A media report said that during the operation, a confrontation broke out involving a local Maulana, who objected to the demolition of a structure he claimed was associated with a mosque. In a show of resistance, he said, &ldquo;We will die for the mosque,&rdquo; leading to a tense standoff.&nbsp;
Eyewitnesses reported that the verbal dispute escalated quickly, prompting local residents to gather in protest. Police personnel on site intervened to control the situation and mediate between the Maulana and civic authorities.
AMC officials maintained that only unauthorised constructions, which had been served with notices, were being targeted.
A senior police official confirmed to Benefit News that the administration is closely monitoring the area to prevent further disturbances.
AMC representatives stated that the objective of the demolition is to reclaim public land, improve civic infrastructure, and remove unauthorised structures that hinder essential services.&nbsp;
They also confirmed that eligible families displaced by the drive will be accommodated through an ongoing urban resettlement programme. The operation is expected to continue over the next two to three days.
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AMC clears 1,000+ illegal structures near Chandola Lake as part of a major anti-encroachment operation.

Chandola Lake Demolition Drive Enters Second Phase

AMC clears 1,000+ illegal structures near Chandola Lake as part of a major anti-encroachment operation.

May 20, 2025 | 13:50 IST