Demolition drive launched in Gujarat's Jamnagar riverfront project

IANS May 21, 2025 347 views

The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation has initiated a significant demolition drive along the Rangamati riverfront. Over 200 civic staff and police personnel removed 116 illegal structures, reclaiming approximately 50,000 square feet of public land. The operation was meticulously planned with prior notices and multiple teams coordinating simultaneously. This action represents a crucial step in the city's urban development and riverfront beautification strategy.

"The drive will continue in phases, focusing on reclaiming government land" - D.N. Modi, Municipal Commissioner
Jamnagar, May 21: In a step towards its proposed Riverfront Development Project, the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) in Gujarat launched a mega demolition drive to clear illegal encroachments along the Rangamati riverbed, from Kalavad Naka to Nageshwar.

Key Points

1

- 116 unauthorized structures demolished across three riverfront locations

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50,000 sq ft of public land reclaimed

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Massive civic operation involving 200+ staff

The operation led to the removal of 116 unauthorised houses and shops across three locations, freeing up approximately 50,000 square feet of public land.

The operation began early on Wednesday morning, mobilising over 200 civic staff, supported by a large police deployment, including a team of women officers from the City A Division. The action follows prior notices issued to occupants of the encroached structures, many of whom were residing or running businesses on land officially owned by the Municipal Corporation.

The area targeted lies along the banks of the Rangamati River, which has seen growing pressure from unauthorised construction. In the triangular section of the riverbank alone, 57 houses were demolished.

Additionally, 47 more houses and 16 commercial shops were razed at two other nearby locations. To execute the operation, 12 JCB machines, three Hitachi excavators, and tractors were deployed. The demolition was carried out under the supervision of Municipal Commissioner D.N. Modi, with on-ground coordination by DMC Devendrasinh Jhala, Assistant Commissioner Bhavesh Jani, Controlling Officer Mukesh Varnava, and key teams from the Estate Branch, TPO Branch, and Fire Department.

The civic body had formed three separate teams to manage the demolition at different sites simultaneously. Police Inspector N.A. Chavda led the law enforcement presence to ensure the process remained peaceful.

Officials confirmed that residents had been given adequate notice and time to vacate the premises. The riverfront clearance in Jamnagar follows similar action taken recently in Ahmedabad, where large-scale encroachments were removed under urban development initiatives.

The reclaimed land in Jamnagar is expected to be integrated into the upcoming riverfront beautification and public utility projects. Municipal officials stated that the drive will continue in phases, with a focus on reclaiming government land and addressing urban planning challenges posed by unregulated settlements.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
Finally some action! These encroachments were choking our rivers for decades. Gujarat's development projects need strict enforcement like this. Hope they maintain the reclaimed land properly and don't let slums come up again. 👍
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Priya M.
While I support urban development, I hope proper rehabilitation was done for those displaced. Many poor families might have lived there for generations. Development should be humane too. The article doesn't mention any resettlement plans...
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Sanjay K.
Good initiative by JMC! Our rivers need breathing space. The Rangamati riverfront can become as beautiful as Sabarmati if planned well. But officials must ensure transparency in tenders and contracts - we don't want another corruption scandal.
A
Anjali D.
Why does it always take 200 staff and police deployment for such work? Shows how much resistance there is to following rules in our country. Hope the riverfront project includes proper public parks and walking tracks, not just concrete structures.
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Vikram J.
The scale of operation is impressive - 12 JCBs and multiple teams working simultaneously! But I wonder how these encroachments were allowed to come up in the first place? Need stricter monitoring to prevent recurrence. #UrbanPlanningMatters
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Meena R.
As a Jamnagar resident, I've seen how dirty the riverbanks had become. Hope this project includes proper waste management too. The municipal corporation should involve local communities in maintaining the new spaces. Jan Bhagidari is important!

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Tags:
Jamnagar Riverfront Development Gujarat Municipal Corporation Urban Renewal D.N. Modi Land Clearance