How Did the Largest Demolition Drive Free Government Land Near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad?

Synopsis
In a significant two-day operation, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation reclaimed 1.5 lakh square metres of government land around Chandola Lake, demolishing over 4,000 unauthorized structures. This action aims to prevent future encroachments and protect the vital water body, demonstrating the AMC's commitment to preserving public land.
Key Takeaways
- The AMC cleared 1.5 lakh square metres of land in two days.
- Over 4,000 unauthorized structures were demolished.
- A protective boundary wall is being constructed around Chandola Lake.
- The initiative aims to prevent future encroachments.
- This operation is a significant step in urban land reclamation efforts.
Ahmedabad, May 3 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has successfully reclaimed approximately 1.5 lakh square metres of government-owned land near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in a remarkable two-day operation, as reported by officials.
This initiative, which involved the demolition of around 4,000 unauthorized structures and slums, stands as one of the most significant anti-encroachment operations conducted in the city recently.
In the aftermath of the clearance, the AMC has initiated the construction of a protective boundary wall around the lake, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 3 crore.
The primary objective of this initiative is to deter future encroachments and protect the region over the long term.
The planned wall will extend 5 km along the perimeter of the lake. However, the formal demarcation of the lake's boundaries by the District Collector and Municipal Commissioner remains outstanding.
Despite this, the AMC has proactively taken measures to safeguard and reclaim public land.
The demolition efforts continued into the third day, with authorities maintaining vigilance to ensure the complete eradication of unauthorized settlements and uphold the integrity of the reclaimed property.
This demolition operation around Chandola Lake is among the largest recent efforts the city has undertaken against illegal encroachments.
Over the years, the lake’s vicinity had been encroached upon by numerous unauthorized structures, including slums and small homes.
These encroachments not only diminished the lake’s natural catchment area but also led to environmental degradation, poor sanitation, and safety hazards for nearby residents.
In response to these issues, the AMC, in collaboration with local authorities, embarked on a substantial demolition operation in April 2025.
In an impressive feat, AMC managed to clear 1.5 lakh square metres of government land within just two days—one lakh square metres on the first day and an additional 50,000 square metres on the second day.
By the end of the third day, the operation continued as part of the broader initiative to fully reclaim the land.
The motivation behind this demolition effort was not only to liberate encroached land but also to safeguard and revitalize one of the city’s essential water bodies.
Officials confirmed that prior notifications and warnings were issued before the demolition commenced.