Mega Demolition Drive at Isanpur Lake: 925 Illegal Homes to Be Removed

Major Eviction Operation Begins in Ahmedabad

After the large-scale demolition at Chandola Lake, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has now launched one of its biggest anti-encroachment operations at Isanpur Lake in the city’s eastern zone. For several years, illegal settlements had occupied the lake area, housing more than 1,000 people—similar to Chandola Lake.

The demolition drive began early morning on November 24, with 20 JCB machines, 500 AMC employees, laborers, and tight police security present at the site.

Third-Largest Lake in Ahmedabad Under Clearance

Isanpur Lake is the city’s third-largest waterbody. Previously, 167 commercial structures were demolished, and now 925 residential units are being removed. Notices were issued to residents before monsoon, but demolition was postponed due to Diwali.

Four-Phase Demolition Underway

The operation is being executed in four phases. Initially scheduled for November 20, demolition was postponed after locals requested four additional days. Action officially commenced on November 24.

Ten affected residents approached the Gujarat High Court, which ordered demolition considering it a waterbody encroachment, while also granting additional time to the petitioners.

Roads Blocked Without Prior Notice

Roads leading towards Isanpur Ramwadi and the Sub-Zonal Office were suddenly closed during the demolition, causing inconvenience for commuters. Locals expressed anger over the lack of prior public announcement.

Residents Claim Promised Housing Not Provided

Tension and resentment have grown among residents affected by the demolition. Many families, who say they have lived there for more than 50 years, alleged that AMC had assured them alternate housing—but demolition proceeded without allotting homes.

Officials reportedly collected forms, asked residents to vacate, and then removed structures—leaving low-income families homeless.

“We Were Promised Houses,” Say Locals

Several women, in tears, shared their distress, stating they had spent decades living there. They claim authorities demolished homes without fulfilling the promise of rehabilitation.

Encroachments Standing for Over Four Decades

As part of lake development initiatives, the state government and AMC have been clearing encroachments across city waterbodies. The anti-encroachment action at Isanpur Lake targets structures that have existed for more than 40 years.

Heavy Machinery and Tight Police Security Deployed

Assistant Municipal Commissioners were assigned zone-wise responsibilities. Demolition is underway using 20 JCBs, Hitachi machines, and a large workforce. Ahmedabad Police deployed around 500 personnel—including ACPs, PIs, PSIs, and constables—to maintain order.

Supreme Court’s Stand on Demolition Actions

On November 6, 2024, the Supreme Court termed the Uttar Pradesh government’s demolition actions “illegal,” stating demolitions must follow due legal process and affected families must be given adequate time to vacate.

The court also ordered the UP government to compensate each affected family with ₹25 lakh, highlighting the lack of lawful authority behind such actions.

Key Supreme Court Guidelines on Demolitions

• Prior notice must be issued before demolishing any property
  
• Affected individuals must be given at least 15 days to respond or vacate
  
• Government cannot assume judicial authority or punish citizens by illegal demolition
  

The UP government had argued that such demolitions were necessary for crime control and maintaining law and order. However, the court clarified that governments cannot bypass legal procedures.