Demolition Continues At Chandola Lake, MLA Shailesh Parmar To Seek Housing Support For Indian Citizens Displaced Through Drive

Ahmedabad: The city’s largest demolition drive is underway for the second consecutive day today at Chandola Lake, targeting illegal encroachments, many reportedly occupied by undocumented Bangladeshi nationals. The operation began on April 29 after the Gujarat High Court dismissed 18 petitions seeking a stay.

Demolition activity resumed this morning from the Danilimda side. While some residents vacated their homes voluntarily, others resisted the action, leading to minor disturbances. A police van got stuck in a ditch, and a woman constable on duty fell ill during the operation.

Officials reported that approximately 150 structures, including temporary huts and permanent homes, have been razed so far. The drive aims to clear over 1.25 lakh square meters of encroached land and restore visibility and access around the lake.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi stated that the area had become a center for illegal activities, including human trafficking and alleged terror links. He emphasized that the government is committed to reclaiming the land, with the demolition set to continue today and tomorrow. An official briefing on the drive is expected later today.

Meanwhile, Danilimda MLA Shailesh Parmar and AMC Leader of Opposition Shehzad Khan Pathan are set to meet the municipal commissioner to seek housing support for Indian citizens displaced by the drive under the city’s housing policy.

Demolition is also in progress in Nawab Nagar, an informal settlement with over 500 homes in the Chandola Lake area. Local leaders have raised concerns about the eviction of long-term Indian residents and are demanding their rehabilitation.