Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has demolished around 4,000 illegal semi-permanent and temporary huts at Chandola Lake in the first phase of a major anti-encroachment drive. The structures, built by Bangladeshi nationals and individuals involved in illegal activities, had encroached upon nearly 1.5 lakh sq. m. of the lake area, which is now being cleared.

Debris removal from the demolished structures began on Friday afternoon, and once completed, the lake will be gradually refilled. To prevent further encroachment, AMC has started constructing precast compound walls around the cleared areas. Work to remove embankments dividing the smaller and larger parts of the lake has also begun, as part of broader restoration efforts.

Additionally, AMC has also begun a survey to identify remaining encroachments and notices are being issued to occupants to vacate voluntarily. In the second phase, AMC and the police will jointly clear all illegal settlements in and around the lake. Electricity connections to such illegal dwellings will be cut immediately, and strict action will be taken under the Land Grabbing Act against those who refuse to vacate.

The entire operation is part of AMC’s initiative to restore Chandola Lake to its original state and ensure its long-term protection, the civic body said in a statement today. DeshGujarat