By The Hindustan Gazette
Ahmedabad: In a controversial demolition drive near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, around 8,500 small and large houses in a Muslim-majority area have been razed. Authorities claimed the residents were illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and that the constructions were unauthorized. However, human rights activists assert that most of those displaced were Indian citizens possessing valid Aadhaar cards and voter IDs.
The demolition, which targeted structures ranging from plastic-sheeted two-room huts to permanent concrete homes, has left tens of thousands homeless, including women and children now forced to live on the streets. This was the second phase of the demolition drive, carried out earlier this month.
Despite government claims that the area was occupied by illegal Rohingya settlers, activists and locals argue that the move disproportionately affected Indian Muslims. Strong protests have erupted against the action, with rights groups accusing the administration of discriminatory targeting.
Nearly 50 bulldozers and excavators were deployed for the drive, supported by around 3,000 police personnel. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation reported that about 2.5 lakh square metres of land were cleared. Authorities also confirmed that lakebed deepening work has begun, and a boundary wall will be constructed to prevent future encroachments.
This story was originally published in thehindustangazette.com.
