Bharuch panchayat demolishes ₹4-crore shop complex left unused for four decades

After remaining vacant for almost 40 years, the Bharuch District Panchayat has decided to demolish a row of 45 shops built at a cost of ₹4 crore. The administration now plans to construct a new commercial complex along with a rest house on the same site.

According to officials, the shops were built around four decades ago as part of the Hari Ratna Complex on district panchayat-owned land near the Bharuch Railway Station. However, despite repeated efforts to allot the units, the premises were never occupied.

Panchayat authorities reportedly stated that online auctions were conducted on three occasions, but no bidders came forward to purchase or lease the shops. So, the buildings, which still appear to be in good condition, remained unused throughout this period.

District Panchayat president Mahendra Vasadiya said the lack of interest from buyers over the past 40 years had prompted the panchayat to demolish the structure and redevelop the site. The new plan involves constructing a modern commercial complex along with a rest house.

The decision has, however, raised questions over administrative planning and financial prudence. Concerns have also been voiced over whether the proposed new shops will attract buyers, given the failure to do so in the past.