Rajkot drive: 1,489 illegal houses demolished, families claim 50 years of residence

Rajkot (The Uttam Hindu): A large-scale anti-encroachment drive was carried out by the municipal authorities on Sunday in the Jangleshwar area, where bulldozers were used to demolish illegal constructions. The action targeted 1,489 structures built on encroached land, creating unrest among residents who had been living there for decades.

The demolition drive was initiated following directions from the state leadership. Officials said the municipal corporation prepared and launched the operation after receiving instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera said the drive focused on removing encroachments along the Aji riverbank and the town planning road in Jangleshwar. The demolition was carried out under heavy police deployment, and residents were asked to vacate their homes in advance to ensure the operation proceeded peacefully.

Extensive security arrangements were made to maintain order during the operation. Thousands of municipal staff and police personnel were deployed in the area, and a temporary control room was set up to monitor the situation. Officials stated that most residents vacated their homes without resistance and removed their belongings beforehand.

However, many families expressed distress over losing homes where they had lived for decades. Some residents said they received very short notice and now face uncertainty about where to live. Several affected families claimed they have been forced to stay on the streets after the demolition.