RAJKOT: A total of 1,489 illegal properties in Rajkot, Gujarat, are set to be demolished as civic authorities launched a major anti-encroachment campaign on Sunday, according to officials.
Following instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) initiated the demolition in the Jangleshwar area.
The RMC, supported by police, will begin tearing down properties along the Aji River banks and on a municipal town planning road in Jangleshwar, as stated by Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera.
The civic body commenced the process of vacating residents on Saturday, he added. Over 1,200 municipal officials and police have been deployed at Sheth High School near Bhaktinagar Circle to oversee the operation and maintain order.
“Many residents are vacating peacefully and can take their belongings. Most of the 1,489 houses will be demolished,” the official stated, assuring that the demolitions will follow legal protocols.
Sumera mentioned that a control room has been set up on-site, and he will personally oversee the operation.
This initiative has, however, caused distress among residents who have lived in the area for decades.
Harunbhai Sumra, a long-time resident of Jangleshwar Street No. 3, expressed concern as he has lived in the area for 43 years and both he and his sister are differently-abled daily wage workers. “We were informed just two days ago about the demolition. Where will we go now? We may end up on the streets,” he lamented.
Another resident, Halinben, who has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years, stated her family has also been ordered to vacate. “No one is willing to rent to a family of eight. We are preparing to live on the street,” she shared.
