Is the Ahmedabad Administration Cracking Down on Illegal Encroachments Around Chandola Lake?

Ahmedabad, May 21 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad administration has ramped up its efforts to address the alleged unlawful encroachments surrounding Chandola Lake as the second phase of the demolition initiative commenced its second day on Wednesday.

The spotlight is now on unauthorized religious structures, including Ali Masjid and Imam Hussain Masjid, which have been dismantled under stringent security measures. This operation, which kicked off on May 20, aims to clear more than 2.5 lakh square meters of encroached territory.

Prior to the demolition, authorities had removed belongings from the structures and resumed the dismantling process early Wednesday morning.

To enhance security, roads leading to the Narol PWD office have been cordoned off, with a substantial police presence deployed in sensitive regions, including Hazrat Chowkidar Bawa Dargah and Shah-e-Alam Road.

Officials have reported that nine mosques, ranging from large to small, situated near Chandola Lake, are set for demolition. The area around Lalla Bihari Farm, which houses Ali Masjid, was among the initial sites targeted. The demolition of Siraj Masjid is currently in progress.

This initiative is part of broader efforts by civic and police officials to combat unauthorized constructions and alleged illegal activities, including encampments by undocumented foreign nationals.

Authorities have identified this area as a hotspot for such encroachments and a breeding ground for unlawful activities. A high-profile meeting led by the City Police Commissioner, along with senior officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and law enforcement agencies, preceded this operation.

Numerous Crime Branch teams have been assigned to maintain law and order during this sensitive operation, which involves the removal of religious sites.

During the first phase of the operation, earlier this year, approximately 1.5 lakh square meters of illegal structures were eradicated. With religious sites now in focus, officials are taking steps to mitigate any potential unrest.

“We are committed to ensuring that the process is conducted lawfully and peacefully,” stated a senior police official, emphasizing the heavy deployment of police and Crime Branch personnel to prevent any backlash.

As the operation progresses, civic authorities reaffirm that this drive is part of a larger initiative to reclaim public land, enhance security, and eliminate illegal settlements, particularly in ecologically and socially sensitive zones like the Chandola Lake area.