Massive Demolition in Rajkot: 455 Illegal Structures Cleared, Thousands More to Follow
Synopsis
In a historic move, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has begun a massive demolition operation targeting illegal structures in the city. With 455 structures already razed, officials are preparing to tackle thousands more in a bid to restore order.
Key Takeaways
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation targets to demolish 1,489 illegal structures.
455 structures have already been cleared as part of the operation.
Over 1,130 officials and extensive machinery are deployed for the drive.
Drone surveillance is in place to monitor the operation.
Public gatherings are restricted until February 26 to ensure safety.
Rajkot, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in Gujarat initiated an unprecedented demolition campaign on Monday, targeting to eliminate 1,489 illegal structures in the Jangleshwar area and along the Aji riverbed.
The operation commenced early in the morning with teams set up by 7 a.m., quickly followed by bulldozers commencing work shortly thereafter.
The entire operation has been organized into seven distinct zones, each supervised by a Class-1 officer, with four City Engineers leading the demolition crews.
Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera is overseeing the operation from a dedicated control room, which is receiving real-time updates from all zones to ensure effective coordination and public safety.
Over 1,130 municipal officials and staff members have been deployed on-site, equipped with protective gear.
The operation utilizes more than 260 vehicles and machines, which include 84 JCBs, 84 tractors, seven Hitachi excavators, 50 tractor-mounted breakers, 42 gas cutters, and 14 dumpers.
The municipal body projects that a total of 87,000 square meters of land will be cleared—55,000 square meters near the riverbed and 32,000 square meters under the town planning road scheme.
By 10 a.m., Rajkot Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha reported to IANS that 455 structures had been demolished. “Out of nearly 1,500 identified structures, 455 have been cleared so far. We are maintaining strict oversight of the entire demolition process to ensure it proceeds smoothly and legally,” he stated.
He also mentioned that Section 163 has been enforced in the area to uphold public order. “Almost 3,000 personnel from various forces, including city police, the Rapid Action Force, and state home guards, have been deployed,” he added.
Authorities are conducting drone surveillance, and a separate order prohibits the operation of private drones from February 23 to 25.
Restrictions on gatherings of more than four individuals will remain in effect until February 26, with officials cautioning immediate action against any incidents of stone-pelting or disruption.
Explaining the justification for the drive, Jha stated: “The main motivations for the demolition include longstanding illegal constructions near the riverbed, breaches of the town planning scheme, and the presence of certain notorious criminals in the area.”
Police records indicate that over the past decade, the locality has experienced 276 liquor-related incidents, 65 gambling cases, four murders, and three attempted murders.
Moreover, 61 illegal weapons have been confiscated during this time.
Officials noted that more than 1,000 households vacated voluntarily before the operation, including approximately 225 families who relocated by Sunday evening.
The demolition effort is anticipated to last for about three days.
Point of View
The demolition drive in Rajkot reflects the local government's commitment to upholding urban planning regulations and ensuring public safety. The operation addresses longstanding issues of illegal construction, particularly in sensitive areas, while also emphasizing the need for law and order amidst community concerns.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the demolition operation in Rajkot?
The demolition operation aims to clear illegal structures, restore public order, and address urban planning violations in sensitive areas.
How many structures have been demolished so far?
As of now, 455 illegal structures have been demolished, with plans to clear thousands more.
What measures are in place to ensure public safety during the operation?
The operation is closely monitored by authorities, with over 3,000 personnel deployed and drone surveillance in effect.
How long is the demolition operation expected to last?
The demolition operation is anticipated to continue for approximately three days.
What has been the community's response to the demolition drive?
Many households have voluntarily vacated the area, demonstrating awareness and concern regarding the ongoing illegal constructions.
