Over 1,400 houses to be demolished in Rajkot, security amped up
Updated: Feb 23rd, 2026
Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) is going to carry out the demolition operation on more than 1400 houses in the banks of the Jangleshwar and Aaji rivers on Monday (February 23). As part of security measures, strict police deployment and Section 163 have been implemented across Rajkot.
Section 163 of BNSS empowers an executive magistrate to issue urgent written orders to prevent immediate threats to public safety, health, or peace, even without prior notice in emergencies.
This is believed to be the biggest demolition in the city's history. The administration has already completed preparations to demolish more than 1,400 houses that have been lying on government and municipal land for decades in the banks of the Jangleshwar and Aaji rivers.
Tight security and restrictions in the city
A huge amount of force is deployed by the civic body for this operation. It includes more than 1,130 corporation employees (with special aprons and helmets) and 260 excavation and demolition vehicles in the area of 55,000 sq m of Aji Riverbed and 32,000 sq m of T P road.Thus, aa total of 87,000 sq m of land will be cleared after demolition. Apart from this, a tight guard of more than 2,500 police personnel has been deployed. Immediate arrest orders have been given in case of any kind of resistance.
Considering the sensitivity of the area, the Commissioner of Police has issued a notification, banning the flying of drones in Rajkot from February 23 to 25. Apart from this, section 163 was implemented in the city, which prohibited the gathering of more than 4 people in the city till February 26.
The administration has clarified that, earlier, alternative accommodation was provided to the affected people in this area, the proof of which has been released through video. Therefore, no new accommodation or alternative place will be provided this time. By Sunday evening, approximately 225 families had voluntarily vacated their houses.
Why is demolition going to be carried out ?
As per the RMC, the streets of this area are so narrow that rescue work becomes impossible in case of any accident. Every year, there is a risk of loss of life and property here due to flooding of the Aji River during the monsoon. This area is considered vulnerable to the criminal activities of some elements.
