Ahmedabad is witnessing a significant crackdown on illegal encroachments as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) launched a massive demolition drive near Chandola Lake on April 29, 2025. This operation follows the arrest of 890 individuals suspected of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants just days prior, raising concerns about unauthorized settlements in the area.
The AMC's initiative aims to clear over 2,000 illegally built structures, reclaiming more than 1.25 lakh square meters of land. According to Municipal Commissioner Banchha Nidhi Pani, the operation involves more than 50 bulldozers and trucks, supported by 500 staff members from various departments, including medical and fire services. "This has been carried out legally because water bodies are considered sacrosanct and cannot be encroached upon by any means," Pani stated.
The demolition drive is part of a broader effort by the Gujarat government to address illegal immigration and encroachments across the state. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal confirmed that the area, particularly Siyasatnagar and Bengali Vaas, has been identified as a settlement for numerous illegal Bangladeshi nationals.
Police Commissioner Gyanender Singh Malik noted that the operation is crucial for maintaining law and order, stating, "All police stations in the city were put on alert to deal with any situation in view of the demolition drive at Chandola Lake." This proactive approach comes after a recent surge in violence attributed to anti-social elements in the region.
The operation commenced early in the morning, with bulldozers rolling into the area as residents hurriedly gathered their belongings. Panic ensued the night before when AMC officials parked bulldozers outside the encroached areas, signaling the impending action. Many residents, who had been detained and released after being verified as Indian citizens, flocked to the nearby Isanpur police station seeking clarification.
Crime Branch officials have also targeted Lalu Pathan, an alleged slumlord accused of facilitating illegal activities, including providing fake rental agreements and Aadhaar cards to illegal immigrants. His illegal farmhouse on the lake's banks was also demolished during the operation. Malik emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, "We are taking strict action against those trying to take the law into their own hands."
In a related crackdown, the Umargam Police detained seven Bangladeshi nationals who had entered India illegally via West Bengal after traveling from Bangladesh through Nepal. Valsad Superintendent of Police Karanraj Vaghela confirmed that these individuals would undergo interrogation before deportation procedures begin.
Moreover, Vadodara Police have intercepted over 500 individuals suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals, with document verification currently underway. Police Commissioner Narsingh Komar reported that five of those detained have been confirmed as Bangladeshi nationals.
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration, an FIR has been filed against Lallu Bihari, who allegedly facilitated the creation of fake documents for illegal immigrants. This investigation is part of a larger initiative to dismantle networks enabling illegal immigration and construction in the region.
The demolition drive at Chandola Lake marks a significant action since the last similar operation in 2009. The area has reportedly become a hub for various illegal activities, including flesh trade and narcotics trafficking, raising alarm among local authorities.
On April 28, DGP Vikas Sahay indicated that approximately 450 Bangladeshi nationals were identified as residing illegally in Gujarat following the crackdown, which resulted in the detention of nearly 6,500 individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.
As the demolition operation unfolds, the Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, affirming that the structures in question were situated on the periphery of the water body, where construction is prohibited. This legal backing reinforces the government's stance on maintaining the integrity of water bodies and addressing illegal encroachments.
Despite the urgency of the demolition drive, some residents have voiced concerns about the lack of prior notice before the demolitions and the potential displacement of families who claim to have lived in the area for decades. Many assert that they possess valid documentation, including ration cards and Aadhaar cards, to prove their residency.
In light of these developments, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and law enforcement agencies are committed to continuing their efforts to prevent illegal encroachments and maintain order in the city. The ongoing investigations and crackdowns signal a determined approach to tackle not only illegal immigration but also the broader issues of encroachment and lawlessness in the region.
With the situation evolving rapidly, local authorities are on high alert, prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise during this extensive operation. The community's response will be crucial as the city navigates the complexities of immigration, encroachment, and public safety.
As Ahmedabad grapples with these pressing issues, the outcomes of the demolition drive and the crackdown on illegal immigrants will likely shape the discourse around immigration policy and urban development in the region.
