RAJKOT: A significant demolition initiative by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in the Jangleshwar area has left many families uncertain about their future housing options.
Officials defend the operation, stating it is essential not only to remove encroachments but also to combat crime.
Initiated on Monday, the RMC aims to dismantle over 1,400 illegal settlements along a 2.5-km stretch, having already demolished approximately 1,350 structures by Tuesday afternoon.
Witnesses reported emotional scenes as heavy machinery rapidly demolished homes.
Sharifaben, a woman in her 60s, faces an uncertain future. Recently recovering from hip replacement surgery, she has found temporary shelter with a neighbor, alongside her two sons. One son is employed as a daily wage laborer, while the other is recuperating from hand surgery and unable to work.
“We urge the authorities to provide us a place to live. Only one of my sons is working. We can’t stay with our neighbor indefinitely. They’ve been kind, but we don’t want to impose,” Sharifaben shared.
Prakashbhai Ramjibhai, in his 50s, was visibly distressed while speaking to reporters.
“I’ve lived here my whole life. Now my family has nowhere to go,” he lamented.
Despite health challenges, Prakashbhai continues to labor to support his family and elderly parents, spending nearly Rs 5,000 monthly on medications. “Now we have no place to stay, and no one is willing to rent to us. The authorities aren’t providing help with shelter or food,” he added.
Residents argue that the demolition was executed without adequate rehabilitation measures.
Defending the operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Jagdish Bangarwa explained that it was also aimed at reducing criminal activity.
“Not only vulnerable individuals but also a number of criminals resided in the Jangleshwar area. Crime rates should decline following the demolitions,” he asserted.
According to Bangarwa, the locality has recorded 61 weapon possession cases and $52,000 worth of drugs confiscated in the past eight years, along with 58 cases filed under the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act.
