AMC moves to clear encroachments near Narendra Modi Stadium for sports infrastructure project

As part of a large-scale development drive around the Narendra Modi Stadium in view of the proposed Olympic and Commonwealth Games, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has stepped up efforts to remove illegal encroachments in the Sabarmati area, including the controversial Asaram Ashram.

Officials reportedly stated that the second phase of a project aimed at developing an ‘Olympic Village’ and a world-class sports complex around the stadium. 

The Asaram Ashram is located on state government land, estimated to be worth around ₹500 crore. 

A recent survey by the AMC found that at least 32 unauthorised structures had been built within the ashram premises.

The AMC’s West Zone had earlier issued notices directing the removal of the illegal constructions. In response, the ashram authorities sought regularisation of the structures by applying under the Impact Fee policy. However, the municipal corporation rejected the application, and the matter is currently pending before the Appellate Authority.

At a meeting of the AMC’s Legal Committee held on Wednesday, committee chairman Prakash Gurjar reportedly directed officials to immediately appoint a lawyer and expedite the disposal of the case to enable the commencement of demolition work.

As per the civic officials, notices have also been served on other encroachments identified during the survey, including Bharatiya Seva Samaj, Sadashiv Ashram and around 150 residential houses in the vicinity.

Gurjar said the removal of unauthorised structures was essential for the timely implementation of Phase II of the sports complex project. He indicated that once the case pending before the Appellate Authority is resolved, the administration is likely to proceed with demolition of the identified encroachments.