Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad’s administration continues its strict stance against illegal encroachments. The municipal authorities conducted another massive demolition operation in the city today. The corporation team arrived at Kamal (Umla) Lake in the Kubernagar area and demolished approximately 150 unauthorized structures.
According to reports, AMC launched a mega demolition drive this morning to remove illegal encroachments on Kamal Lake land located on Kubernagar ITI Road in Ahmedabad. The Estate Department of the North Zone, accompanied by police presence, deployed bulldozers on around 150 structures surrounding the lake. This action left numerous families homeless and sparked significant anger among local residents.
Local Resistance and Demand for Alternative Housing
Residents whose homes had stood for years expressed intense anger and distress as their houses came down. Local inhabitants demanded that authorities provide alternative housing arrangements. Affected residents stated they would willingly relocate if the government offered them accommodation elsewhere, but the sudden loss of shelter left them in dire circumstances.
During demolition operations, authorities showed sensitivity by temporarily sparing Sama Khodiyar Mata temple, a center of faith in the Kamla Talavdi area. Meanwhile, police present at the site attempted to control the situation amid local protests and commotion, working to ensure the operation proceeded peacefully.
Heart-Wrenching Scenes of Women and Elderly
As authorities bulldozed homes in the presence of local police, residents broke down in tears. Women, children, and elderly people wept uncontrollably watching their houses collapse before their eyes. Locals demanded that if the government demolishes their homes, alternative living arrangements must be provided. A total of 150 houses around the lake were demolished. However, the Khodiyar Mata temple in this area will not be demolished for now.
One Particular Structure Became the Focus of Discussion During Demolition
A large two-story bungalow adjacent to the temple, considered the biggest illegal construction in the lake area, drew special attention. According to locals, this bungalow built at a cost of crores of rupees required considerable effort from the corporation team to demolish. However, the Municipal Corporation decided not to demolish the Khodiyar Mata temple in the Kamla Talavdi area for the time being. The temple in the lake area will remain intact, and demolition action against it has been postponed.
