Development after demolition: Gujarat govt unveils two-phase plan for Chandola Lake

Following the demolition of over  4,000 illegal structures around Chandola Lake in Dani Limda, Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has announced a comprehensive two-phase development plan for the area.

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday. According to government sources, the first phase of the project will focus on beautifying the lake and its surroundings. Tenders for this phase have already been issued.

In the second phase, the government plans to construct skyscrapers along the banks of the lake, aiming to transform the area into a prime urban landmark. Additionally, the remaining land around the lake will be allocated to the Border Security Force (BSF).

Earlier on Tuesday, Gujarat High Court declined to halt the demolition of illegal encroachments.

A total of 18 petitioners had filed a plea in the high court challenging the demolition. 

In court, the petitioners had argued that the demolition was being carried out in violation of due process and claimed that there was no evidence proving the residents were Bangladeshi nationals. They also stated that no official notice had been served before demolishing the homes. Nonetheless, the high court rejected the plea and allowed the demolition to proceed.