After chandola, crackdown on illegal constructions in Ahmedabad’s Rakhial

Days after the demolition drive at Chandola lake, the Ahmedabad authorities have now moved their bulldozers to Rakhial, where illegal constructions on Gujarat Housing Board land were cleared on Wednesday. Among the encroachments removed were over 20 illegally constructed factories and shops, as well as a makeshift prayer area set up on a common plot.

Amid tight police security, the demolition was carried out at Morarji Chowk in Rakhial, where the Gujarat Housing Board land had been encroached upon for several years. More than 350 police personnel, including senior officers, were deployed to maintain law and order during the operation.

According to officials, despite earlier demolitions carried out at the site in 2008, illegal constructions had resurfaced over the years. Several individuals had once again erected tin sheds and other unauthorised structures on the common open plot, which was originally part of a 1960 housing scheme meant for mill workers. Over time, the space was encroached upon for commercial activities and a prayer area, prompting action from the authorities.

Officials also revealed that, much like in Chandola, many of the illegal establishments at Rakhial were found to have active electricity connections. This has raised serious questions over how such services were sanctioned for unauthorised structures. Authorities said the matter would be investigated.

Speaking to the media, ACP R D Oza confirmed that the demolition drive would continue as part of the Housing Board’s efforts to reclaim its land. "This is Housing Board property. The Board had sought police protection for the demolition exercise. Currently, 385 police personnel including ACPs, PIs, and PSIs are deployed on site," he said.

Crowds of local residents gathered to witness the demolition as bulldozers razed the structures to the ground.