A large-scale demolition drive is currently underway in the Chandola area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, targeting illegal encroachments. Phase 2 of the operation began at 6 am on May 20, 2025, with the demolition of illegal structures along the road from the Suryanagar Police Post in Isanpur to Mira Cinema. This phase of the drive is significantly more extensive than the initial phase of bulldozer action.
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | JCP Ahmedabad Crime Branch, Sector 2, Jaipal Singh Rathore says, "The second phase of demolition in Chandola area has been going on since yesterday. 99.9 per cent of the demolition work has been completed, and some holy structures are now being… https://t.co/IANNeXenYh pic.twitter.com/Iduckx8SvF
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2025
Reports indicate that over 1.5 lakh square meters of land were cleared during the first phase of the demolition drive, while the second phase will level an additional 2.5 lakh square meters. The operation is being carried out with the use of 60 JCBs, 40 cranes, and the deployment of 3,000 police officers. To ensure smooth execution, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) made announcements via loudspeakers on May 19 afternoon, urging residents to vacate their homes. Additionally, those who had been residing there for less than a week were also warned to leave.
Ahmedabad Police have revealed that of the 250 Bangladeshis arrested in 2025, 207 were from the Chandola area. In a media briefing, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner GS Malik stated that Chandola Lake had long been a hotspot for Bangladeshi infiltrators, and illegal activities had begun to take root. He noted that over the years, 10-40 Bangladeshis were apprehended annually in the area. For the second phase of the demolition drive, a total of 3,000 police personnel, including a Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, six DCPs, and PIs, have been deployed.
The officer further stated that in addition to the 3,000 police personnel, 25 SRPF companies will also be assisting with the operation, and drones will be deployed for surveillance. He also mentioned that in the previous phase, approximately 1.5 lakh square meters of land had been cleared, and the current phase has commenced with the aim of clearing an additional 2.5 lakh square meters of land. Malik also mentioned that the demolition operation is expected to last for about three to four days. However, he assured that if more time is needed, the authorities are fully prepared to continue the action.
