What’s Behind the Demolition Drive in Gujarat's Jamnagar?

Jamnagar, June 2 (NationPress) The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) has initiated an extensive demolition initiative aimed at expanding the roadway near Swaminarayan Nagar, as per official reports.

The demolition activities commenced on Saturday and continued into Sunday, focusing on illegal encroachments along a 3.5-km stretch of road.

Despite facing significant pushback, the municipal authority remained resolute, taking action against 111 properties on the first day alone.

The operation proceeded seamlessly on Sunday, marking the second day of action.

Equipped with heavy machinery and a workforce of over 150 municipal workers, the team was bolstered by more than 100 police officers, including female personnel, all operating under the guidance of City B Division's Police Inspector P.P. Jha.

The demolition commenced at 8 a.m. on Sunday and unfolded without any disruption throughout the day.

In total, 331 property owners along the route from Swaminarayan Nagar to Nawagam Ghed had received final notifications from the JMC prior to the demolition.

While the first day was marked by confrontations, including vocal protests, the authorities maintained strict oversight.

On May 31, ten individuals, including Congress Councillor Rachna Nandaniya and two women, were arrested for attempting to impede the demolition process.

All detainees were subsequently presented before the city mamlatdar later that Sunday evening and were granted bail with the stipulation that they would refrain from interfering in the ongoing procedures.

Despite the initial unrest, operations on Sunday proceeded smoothly, with over 100 additional properties identified for removal.

The JMC emphasized that the road-widening project is a vital component of the city’s long-term urban infrastructure enhancement plan.

In a similar vein, in Ahemdabad, the municipal corporation has been executing a large-scale demolition drive throughout various neighborhoods to eliminate illegal encroachments and advance pending development plans.

Areas such as Narol, Vatva, Chandlodia, and sections of the old city have witnessed increased activity, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation targeting unauthorized constructions that have long hindered road widening, drainage improvements, and other civic infrastructure endeavors.

This demolition initiative, which commenced earlier this month, has resulted in the removal of hundreds of unauthorized shops, illegal extensions of both residential and commercial properties, and encroached footpaths.

In numerous instances, prior notifications were dispatched to occupants, with the civic body underscoring that these demolitions align with planned urban development under the town planning schemes and the Smart City Mission.