Gandhinagar Civic Body Launches Drive to Demolish 700 Illegal Structures Along Sabarmati River

Swift Summary

• Authorities in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, launched a massive anti-encroachment drive on September 18, 2025.
• Approximately one lakh square metres of government land along the Sabarmati riverbank is being cleared.
• The operation began at 4 a.m.in Pethapur and involves Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, State Roads and buildings Department, and district police.
• Around 700 illegal structures were identified for demolition; by Thursday afternoon, approximately 150 houses and shops had been cleared.
• The campaign is supervised by 20 teams of officials with security ensured by about 700 police personnel including senior officers.
• Officials estimate the encroached land’s market value at ₹1,000 crore.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The anti-encroachment drive in Gandhinagar underscores the government’s stance on reclaiming public land to prevent illegal occupations that can hinder urban planning initiatives or sustainable growth efforts. While clearing infrastructure worth ₹1,000 crore from illegally occupied government property aligns with legal mandates and administrative policy goals, such large-scale operations inevitably raise questions about their social implications-notably for those displaced during such drives.

The involvement of multiple departments highlights an organized approach but also suggests potential coordination challenges given the scale of the operation. Additionally, reinforcing security through substantial deployment indicates preparedness to address possible resistance or unrest during sensitive actions like demolitions.

Looking ahead, such measures might push policymakers toward improving openness around urban land use policies and ensuring adequate provisions are made for affected individuals wherever feasible-a critical aspect given India’s focus on balancing developmental priorities with societal welfare.

Read More: Authorities removing encroachments in Gandhinagar