Gandhinagar’s Pethapur sees demolition of two Waqf-registered dargahs built on state land

Large-scale demolition is under way in Gujarat’s capital city Gandhinagar as the capital planning department and municipal corporation jointly move to clear encroachments across multiple sectors. 

As part of the action, authorities removed two dargahs, one large and one small in Pethapur, that were registered with the Waqf Board but constructed illegally on government land.

Officials have begun dismantling more than 1,400 unauthorised houses and huts spread across sectors 1 to 30. Notices were served to all encroachers earlier, but with no satisfactory response or voluntary removal, the administration proceeded with the clearance.

To maintain law and order during the mega operation, over 150 police personnel have been deployed in the area. Despite the security arrangements, residents who have lived in these settlements for years expressed anger and frustration, demanding that the administration provide alternative accommodation before eviction.

Authorities have not issued a formal statement about the broader clearance campaign, but preparations are reportedly in progress to target more than 300 additional illegal structures near GH-7 circle, Press Circle and Sector 24.

Earlier, more than 900 huts near Charedi Gate, the GEB road and the Pethapur vicinity were also demolished as part of the ongoing anti-encroachment efforts.