Ahmedabad, June 6 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Saturday carried out a demolition drive against unauthorised constructions on municipal land in Motera Koteshwar village, acting on directions issued by the Gujarat High Court amid a long-running legal dispute over the site.

The operation targeted houses and structures identified by the civic body as illegal encroachments on AMC-owned land near Asaram Ashram.

Municipal officials said the action was limited to portions deemed unauthorised and was being undertaken strictly in compliance with court orders.

A large police presence was deployed to maintain law and order during the exercise. According to police officials, around 125 to 150 personnel, including senior officers, were stationed in the area as demolition teams moved in with heavy machinery.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bharat Rathod said the demolition of 37 houses was underway and that police deployment had been arranged to prevent disruptions.

“Today, the demolition of 37 houses is underway. For this, four of our police teams are deployed here, and 125 of our officers are posted. The municipal workers are carrying out their duties, and we have kept police deployment to ensure there is no protest or opposition,” he said.

Residents gathered as AMC and police teams entered the locality, with some displaying property-related documents and protesting against the demolition.

Authorities later announced through loudspeakers that occupants should vacate the premises within 30 minutes.

Demolition work began after the deadline expired, with JCB machines operating under police protection.

Tensions rose at several points during the operation. Police detained a young man after he allegedly threatened to take his own life if his house was demolished.

Minor scuffles were also reported between residents and municipal personnel, prompting police intervention.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vani Dudhate said the land belongs to the AMC and that the matter has been the subject of a prolonged legal dispute.

“In Ahmedabad city’s Motera Koteshwar village, there is a piece of land owned by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, but some illegal houses have been built on it. This issue has been going on for a long time as a legal dispute. Now, for demolition, the AMC has requested police assistance. To prevent any untoward incident, the Ahmedabad Police have deployed 150 police officers and personnel,” she said.

AMC Estate Department official Mahesh said the civic body’s action was confined to constructions that exceeded approved limits and had been declared illegal.

“Any construction beyond the permitted parameter that is illegal is being executed as part of enforcement work today. This execution is being carried out as per the orders of the court. No action beyond that has been taken,” he said.

Municipal authorities stated that affected residents had been offered alternative accommodation and rental assistance before the demolition drive, but had not accepted the proposals.

Officials noted further action, if required, would continue in accordance with the Gujarat High Court’s directions.

–IANS

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