Has the Jamnagar Civic Body in Gujarat Reopened the Battle Against Illegal Riverbank Encroachments?
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Synopsis
The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation has launched a significant demolition drive to tackle illegal encroachments along the Rangamati and Nagmati riverbanks. The initiative aims to reclaim vital public land and prevent flooding during the monsoon season. In a parallel effort, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has also been active in clearing unauthorized structures around Chandola Lake, raising important discussions about housing for displaced residents.
Key Takeaways
- Jamnagar Municipal Corporation resumes demolition of illegal encroachments.
- Targeting 66,000 square feet of riverbank land.
- Efforts aim to prevent flooding during monsoon.
- Over 100 municipal staff and police involved in operations.
- Displaced residents eligible for EWS housing scheme.
Ahmedabad, May 23 (NationPress) The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) in Gujarat has actively resumed its extensive demolition efforts aimed at eliminating illegal encroachments along the banks of the Rangamati and Nagmati rivers near Ranjit Sagar Road as of Friday. This operation is set to reclaim approximately 66,000 square feet of public land, valued at around Rs one crore. This demolition drive follows previous notices issued to 33 illegal encroachers and signifies a continuation of the initiatives to clear riverbeds in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season.
This action is part of a wider plan associated with the Riverfront Development Project, aimed at mitigating the risks of waterlogging and flooding in urban areas during the rainy months. The operation witnessed the deployment of substantial resources, including six JCB machines, four tractors, and one excavator, alongside the collaborative efforts of over 100 municipal staff and a robust police presence, which also featured women officers from the City A Division.
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, a similar demolition initiative took place along the route between Kalavad Naka and Nageshwar, where 50,000 square feet of area was cleared from morning until 6 p.m.
In a related effort, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) completed a two-phase demolition campaign around Chandola Lake in the Danilimda area, focusing on illegal encroachments that had built up over many years.
This operation, which commenced on April 29 and concluded on May 22, led to the removal of roughly 12,500 unauthorized structures, including homes, shops, and places of worship, reclaiming around four lakh square meters of public land.
The initial phase of the drive cleared about 1.5 lakh square meters, while the second phase focused on an additional 2.5 lakh square meters. The AMC utilized significant resources, deploying 35 bulldozers, 15 earthmovers, and over 350 personnel, supported by 3,000 police and State Reserve Police officers to ensure law and order throughout the operations.
The demolition campaign has ignited discussions surrounding the rehabilitation of displaced residents. The AMC has indicated that individuals residing in the area prior to 2010 qualify for alternative housing under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) housing scheme. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy and timeliness of these provisions.
Point of View
I believe the recent actions by the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation reflect a necessary step in urban planning and public safety. While the need for action against illegal encroachments is clear, the dialogue surrounding the rehabilitation of affected residents must be prioritized to ensure a balanced approach to development.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the demolition drive by the JMC?
The demolition drive aims to clear illegal encroachments along the riverbanks to reclaim public land and mitigate flooding during the monsoon season.
How many illegal encroachers were served notices?
Notices were served to 33 illegal encroachers before the demolition actions commenced.
What resources were deployed for the demolition operations?
The operations involved six JCB machines, four tractors, one excavator, and over 100 municipal staff along with police support.
What is the status of rehabilitation for displaced residents?
Residents who have lived in the area since before 2010 are eligible for alternative housing under the Economically Weaker Sections housing scheme.
What other areas have seen similar demolition efforts?
A two-phase demolition campaign was also conducted around Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad, clearing thousands of unauthorized structures.
