Ahmedabad reclaims 26,000 sq m of Amba Lake land, demolishes over 160 illegal structures

In one of the biggest anti-encroachment drives in the eastern part of the city, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Friday cleared more than 160 illegal structures built on the land of Amba Lake in Isanpur. The operation resulted in the recovery of nearly 26,000 square meters of valuable lake land owned by the government and the municipal corporation.

The demolition drive began early in the morning at Amba Lake, located near the vegetable market and close to Mony Hotel in the Lambha ward of Ahmedabad's South Zone. AMC's Estate Department carried out the operation with the help of more than five JCB and Hitachi machines. During the drive, 147 residential structures and 14 commercial units that had been illegally constructed on the lake land were demolished.

A large police force from Isanpur and Narol police stations was deployed at the site to prevent any law and order issues. Fire brigade personnel and medical teams were also kept on standby as a precautionary measure throughout the operation. 

According to AMC officials, the demolition was part of the corporation's ongoing campaign to remove encroachments from lakes and other water bodies across Ahmedabad. The civic body aims to restore and deepen these lakes to improve water storage capacity, strengthen groundwater recharge, and protect the city's environment.

Before taking action, the corporation had issued notices and repeatedly instructed residents to vacate the area. 

AMC arranged temporary accommodation at nearby shelters. In addition, officials have started collecting and verifying documents from residents who can provide valid government proof showing that they had been living in the area for a long period.