Olympics 2036 at cost of Ahmedabad residents’ homes? Eviction notice challenged in HC

Residents from Motera, Sabarmati, and surrounding areas of Ahmedabad have challenged in the Gujarat High Court the eviction notices issued by Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) as part of the implementation of the Town Planning (TP) Scheme and preparations for hosting the 2036 Olympics. 

The residents have appealed to the high court, asserting that Olympic celebrations and development should not come at the cost of local citizens and their homes. They argue that otherwise, they will be rendered homeless and forced onto the streets.

During the hearing, the petitioners (residents), AUDA (Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority), and the state government all presented their respective positions. After hearing all parties, Justice J L Odedra reserved the verdict for a later date.

Around 80 residents from areas such as Motera, Subhash Nagar, and Acher in the Sabarmati region filed separate writ petitions before the Gujarat High Court. They argued that AUDA issued them unreasonable and impractical notices, demanding that they vacate their homes within just seven days. The residents highlighted that the authority is now attempting to implement a TP Scheme that dates back to 1984—after a gap of 41 years.

A concerning point raised was that the proposed road under this scheme cuts through a residential area, which would lead to the demolition of hundreds of homes and leave many families homeless. Many of the petitioners have been living in the area for over 60 years and insisted they cannot be removed without being provided proper alternative arrangements.

The residents also stated that they had submitted their objections and suggestions to AUDA, but those were ignored, and they were served notices to vacate within seven days. They emphasised that their homes are well-constructed and legal, with regular payments made for electricity, water, and municipal taxes for years. Under these circumstances, the implementation of the TP Scheme was deemed unjustified, and they requested that either the scheme be suspended or that alternative housing be provided to them.

On the other hand, the state government and AUDA argued that the petitioners are now challenging the 1984 TP Scheme. Furthermore, as India is set to host the 2036 Olympics, development in Ahmedabad is necessary as part of the preparations. 

This includes road expansion near the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, where a 24-meter-wide road is essential. The government claimed that all actions are being taken legally and, therefore, the petitions should not be upheld.

After hearing all arguments, the Gujarat High Court reserved its verdict for a later date.