What is the status of the anti-encroachment drive in Gujarat, freeing land worth Rs 40 crore in Borsad?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, Borsad Municipality has demolished 220 structures to reclaim encroached land worth around Rs 40 crore. This drive aims to rehabilitate affected residents and enforce urban planning regulations. Amid growing concerns over rehabilitation, these efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to reclaim public land across Gujarat's major cities.
Key Takeaways
- Borsad Municipality demolished 220 structures to reclaim public land.
- Approximately Rs 40 crore worth of land was cleared.
- Efforts are aimed at rehabilitating displaced families.
- Intensified drives across Gujarat reflect a commitment to urban planning.
- Concerns over rehabilitation measures remain prevalent.
Borsad, June 10 (NationPress) The municipality in Borsad town, located in Gujarat's Anand district, has successfully demolished 220 structures, encompassing both concrete and temporary forms, in the Kantannagar and Panchvad regions. This operation aims to eliminate encroachments affecting approximately 1,100 residents. The extensive drive was initiated under the supervision of the Anand District Collector as part of the ongoing anti-encroachment initiative by the Borsad Municipality.
The demolition commenced on Monday, with municipal teams, supported by five JCBs, six tractors, and a significant police presence, focusing on illegally constructed residences near Mojra Lake, Panchvad, and Santhnagar, adjacent to the Borsad Police Station.
Reports indicate that during the demolition, the area resembled a fortified police camp, featuring two mobile police vans, over 40 officers, and more than 50 Home Guards alongside personnel from the Traffic Regulation Brigade (TRB) to ensure order.
Access routes into Kantannagar were closed off. The municipality claims to have reclaimed 60,000 square meters of encroached land, valued at around Rs 40 crore. Of this area, 28,000 square meters will be designated for a new housing scheme intended to rehabilitate displaced families. The demolition was executed with the assistance of 25 municipal staff, one Hitachi machine, five JCBs, six tractors, two GEB vehicles, and three police jeeps.
In Gujarat, demolition efforts to address illegal encroachments have escalated across major cities, including Borsad, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Surat, and Vadodara, as part of coordinated municipal and state-level strategies to recover public land and enforce urban planning regulations.
In Ahmedabad, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated numerous demolition drives targeting unlawful constructions along vital roads, riverbanks, and near public parks. Recent operations have seen the removal of several unauthorized commercial establishments and roadside shelters, particularly in areas like Juhapura, Vejalpur, and Naroda.
These demolitions have been defended under the city’s smart development and traffic decongestion initiatives, although there are ongoing concerns regarding insufficient rehabilitation and abrupt notice periods.
Meanwhile, in Jamnagar, the municipal corporation executed a demolition campaign near Lakhota Lake and adjacent heritage sites to maintain environmental integrity and eliminate illegal stalls and encroachments. The administration cleared numerous structures erected on government land, citing tourism development and public safety as primary justifications.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the delicate balance between urban development and community welfare. The ongoing anti-encroachment drive in Borsad is a testament to the government's commitment to reclaim public land. However, it is equally important to address the needs of displaced families and ensure adequate rehabilitation measures are in place. Moving forward, sustainable urban planning must prioritize both development and social responsibility.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the demolition drive in Borsad?
The demolition drive in Borsad was prompted by the need to clear illegal encroachments affecting public land and to enforce urban planning regulations.
How many structures were demolished during the operation?
A total of 220 structures, both concrete and temporary, were demolished during the operation.
What is the estimated value of the land cleared?
The municipality estimates that the cleared land is worth approximately Rs 40 crore.
How will the displaced families be accommodated?
The municipality plans to earmark 28,000 square meters of the reclaimed land for a new housing scheme to rehabilitate displaced families.
Are similar demolition drives occurring in other cities?
Yes, demolition drives to remove illegal encroachments are taking place in several major cities across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Surat, and Vadodara.
