Sabarmati Riverbank Drive: Over 700 Illegal Structures Razed in Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar municipal authorities initiated a large-scale demolition drive along the Sabarmati riverbank on the morning of September 20, targeting unauthorized encroachments and illegal structures. The operation, which began shortly after sunrise, led to the razing of approximately 700 structures spread over nearly one lakh square metres of government land. These structures ranged from small shops and huts to partially constructed buildings that had sprung up without formal approval. Officials say that the illegal structures were encroaching on the riverbank’s floodplain, threatening both environmental balance and public safety. The areas affected are prone to flooding during heavy rains, and unauthorized construction has made river management and pollution control more difficult. Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Desai emphasized that the drive is part of a broader effort to reclaim public land, restore urban planning integrity, and prevent hazards in future rains. Local residents offered mixed reactions. Some welcomed the move, saying that the encroachments had blocked drainage channels and contributed to waterlogging in monsoon season. Others complained about inadequate notice, saying many livelihoods depended on the demolished structures. Vendors expressed anger about losing their investments, while some residents asked for humanitarian support, especially for those who depend on the structures for housing or small businesses. Authorities say the decision to act now was prompted by both environmental concerns and upcoming festival traffic. With Navratri approaching, public spaces along the riverbank had seen more footfall, and the risk of contamination and unplanned expansion had increased. Municipal authorities have promised relief measures: temporarily sheltering displaced small shopkeepers, providing compensation for authorized structures, and offering alternative spaces for vendors who lose legal premises. The demolition drive was executed with coordination among various agencies: the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, the Urban Development Authority, the Forest Department, and the State Pollution Control Board. Engineers surveyed the area in advance, identifying unstable structures and those violating environmental norms. Bulldozers, cranes, and labor teams worked in tandem to clear structures while avoiding damage to legally built infrastructure such as retaining walls, public walkways, and newly constructed parks. Commissioner Desai stated that the land reclaimed will be used to restore natural riverbanks, expand green belts, and improve drainage. Plans are underway to build embankments, walkways, and regulated vendor zones so that future development along the river is orderly. The municipal body also plans to increase the height and capacity of existing flood channels to manage overflow during heavy monsoon or unexpected rainfall events. In conclusion, the drive marks a decisive step by Gujarat authorities to enforce urban planning laws, protect river ecology, and prioritize public safety. Although the immediate disruption has caused discontent among those whose structures were demolished, the government maintains that the long‐term benefits—reduced flooding, cleaner riverbanks, and regulated riverfront development—will serve the city and residents well into the future.