Demolition Begins on ₹2,400 cr Vadodara Land after Gujarat HC Rejects Gaekwad Family’s Ownership Claim
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The Vadodara district administration has launched a demolition drive to reclaim nearly 41 acres of prime land worth around ₹2,400 crore after the Gujarat High Court upheld the ownership of the Yavateshwar Mahadev Temple Trust and rejected the Gaekwad royal family's claim over the property, as per reports.
HC verdict ends decades-old dispute
The dispute over the land had continued for nearly 35 years. In June, the Gujarat High Court reportedly dismissed the Gaekwad family's plea challenging a lower court order that had rejected its ownership claim.
The court reaffirmed that the land belongs to the Yavateshwar Mahadev Temple Trust, noting that multiple judicial rulings since 1971 have consistently upheld the trust's ownership.
Following the verdict and completion of the legal process, the district administration began clearing the encroachments.
Resort, cricket grounds, party office among structures demolished
The drive has already seen around 55 commercial structures demolished, including:
- A resort-like property with around 20 rooms
- Two box cricket grounds
- A swimming pool
- A car showroom
- Fabrication sheds
- Food stalls under construction
- A political party office
- Several other commercial establishments
Residential structures are also being removed, with a few houses demolished so far, according to reports citing sources.
No development permission since 1995
Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya reportedly said the administration verified records with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, which confirmed that no development permission had been granted for any construction on the four survey numbers since the Town Planning scheme came into effect in 1995.
He said earlier court orders maintaining status quo had prevented authorities from acting, but the administration moved ahead with demolition after the High Court's final judgment.
Heritage restoration planned
Once possession of the land is secured, the administration reportedly plans to restore the site's religious and historical significance.
According to the collector, the land once housed a stepwell, ghats and other heritage structures. The district administration, along with the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd and the temple trust, will prepare a plan to conserve and develop the area.
