Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, May 3: In one of the most extensive anti-encroachment operations in recent history, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has cleared nearly 1.5 lakh square metres of government land surrounding Chandola Lake in just two days, officials confirmed.

The operation led to the demolition of over 4,000 illegal slums and unauthorized structures that had occupied the lake’s vicinity for years. These encroachments had not only shrunk the lake’s natural catchment area but also contributed to environmental degradation, poor sanitation, and serious safety concerns for residents.

With the land now reclaimed, the AMC has launched construction of a protective boundary wall around the lake. The Rs 3 crore project will span 5 kilometers along the lake’s perimeter and aims to prevent future encroachments and safeguard the ecosystem.

Though the official demarcation of the lake’s boundaries by the District Collector and Municipal Commissioner is still awaited, the AMC’s move underscores a firm intent to restore and preserve public land.

The third day of the drive saw continued action as teams remained on-site to ensure complete eviction and to reinforce control over the cleared area.

Officials noted that the demolition drive is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Chandola Lake—one of the city’s key water bodies—and reclaim it for public and environmental benefit.

Authorities have confirmed that legal notices and warnings were issued in advance, ensuring procedural transparency before the demolitions began in April 2025.

This high-impact operation signals a shift in urban land management in Ahmedabad, with the AMC prioritizing ecological preservation and lawful land use.