AMC demolishes 37 unauthorised houses in Ahmedabad's Motera Koteshwar village
Synopsis
Acting on Gujarat High Court orders, the AMC tore down 37 unauthorised houses in Ahmedabad's Motera Koteshwar village on Saturday, deploying 150 police personnel amid resident protests and at least one dramatic standoff. Authorities say affected residents had been offered rehabilitation but declined — raising questions about the adequacy of the outreach.
Key Takeaways
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) demolished 37 unauthorised houses in Motera Koteshwar village on 6 June .
The drive was carried out under directions from the Gujarat High Court in a long-running land dispute.
Over 150 police officers and personnel were deployed; DCP Bharat Rathod confirmed four teams on ground.
Residents protested; police detained one man who allegedly threatened self-harm.
Affected residents had reportedly been offered alternative accommodation and rental assistance before the demolition but did not accept.
Officials confirmed further action will continue per Gujarat High Court directions if required.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Saturday, 6 June conducted a demolition drive against illegal encroachments on civic land in Motera Koteshwar village, acting on directions from the Gujarat High Court in a long-running land dispute. The operation targeted 37 houses and other structures built without authorisation on AMC-owned land near Asaram Ashram.
Scale of the Operation
Heavy machinery, including JCB excavators, moved into the locality under a substantial police shield. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bharat Rathod confirmed that four police teams comprising 125 to 150 officers and personnel were deployed to prevent disruptions during the drive.
'Today, the demolition of 37 houses is underway. For this, four of our police teams are deployed here, and 125 of our officers are posted. The municipal workers are carrying out their duties, and we have kept police deployment to ensure there is no protest or opposition,' DCP Rathod said.
Residents Protest, Tensions Flare
Residents gathered as AMC and police teams entered the area, with several displaying property-related documents and protesting against the action. Authorities announced through loudspeakers that occupants must vacate within 30 minutes; demolition commenced once the deadline passed.
Tensions escalated at multiple points. Police detained a young man who allegedly threatened to harm himself if his house was razed. Minor scuffles between residents and municipal personnel were also reported, requiring police intervention to restore order.
What Authorities Said
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vani Dudhate stated that the land is legally owned by the AMC and that the dispute had been pending in court for a considerable period. 'In Ahmedabad city's Motera Koteshwar village, there is a piece of land owned by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, but some illegal houses have been built on it. This issue has been going on for a long time as a legal dispute. Now, for demolition, the AMC has requested police assistance,' she said.
AMC Estate Department official Mahesh clarified that the action was confined strictly to constructions exceeding approved limits. 'Any construction beyond the permitted parameter that is illegal is being executed as part of enforcement work today. This execution is being carried out as per the orders of the court. No action beyond that has been taken,' he said.
Rehabilitation Offers Rejected
Municipal authorities stated that affected residents had been offered alternative accommodation and rental assistance prior to the drive, but that the proposals were not accepted. Officials added that further action, if required, would proceed in line with the Gujarat High Court's ongoing directions.
This is the latest in a series of court-mandated demolition drives on encroached civic land across Ahmedabad, as the AMC intensifies enforcement on unauthorised structures occupying public property.
Point of View
But the pattern raises a consistent question: if rehabilitation was genuinely offered and refused, why did the process end in scuffles and a suicide threat rather than orderly relocation? The AMC's claim that alternative accommodation was available deserves independent scrutiny — in past drives across Gujarat, 'offered' has often meant a notice rather than a ready unit. The Gujarat High Court's continued oversight is the one safeguard here, but judicial directions alone do not substitute for a humane resettlement framework that residents actually trust.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the AMC demolish houses in Motera Koteshwar village?
The AMC demolished 37 houses in Motera Koteshwar village on 6 June because they were identified as unauthorised constructions built on AMC-owned land. The drive was carried out under directions from the Gujarat High Court, which has been overseeing a long-running legal dispute over the site.
How many police personnel were deployed during the Ahmedabad demolition drive?
Between 125 and 150 police officers and personnel were deployed, organised into four teams, to maintain law and order and prevent protests during the demolition. DCP Bharat Rathod confirmed the deployment figures.
Were residents offered any rehabilitation before the demolition?
Yes, municipal authorities stated that affected residents had been offered alternative accommodation and rental assistance prior to the demolition drive. However, officials said the proposals were not accepted by the residents.
What incidents occurred during the demolition drive?
Tensions rose at several points during the operation. Police detained a young man who allegedly threatened to harm himself if his house was demolished. Minor scuffles between residents and municipal personnel were also reported, requiring police intervention.
Will the AMC carry out further demolitions in the area?
Officials confirmed that further action, if required, will continue in accordance with the Gujarat High Court's directions. The court's oversight of the land dispute remains active.
