Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) demolished a centuries-old wall near Astodia on Tuesday night, citing public safety concerns. The 24-inch thick red brick wall was located just 100 metres from the historic Astodia Darwaza. According to the AMC, the wall posed a significant threat to public safety due to its deteriorating condition, and the Heritage Conservation Committee had recommended its demolition. However, local heritage activists have raised serious objections, filing a police complaint and questioning the legality of the action.
Activists claim that there was no prior notice or formal documentation authorising the demolition when confronted at the site. The petitioner involved in the ongoing case, which was heard by the High Court, highlighted that the court had previously instructed the AMC to refrain from further destruction of the site. The demolition of the wall, which also houses an old, unnamed darwaza, comes after a similar incident in 2019, which led to a legal battle between heritage activists and the civic body.
From the civic body’s perspective, the action was driven by the need to protect the public from potential hazards. In its official statement, the AMC pointed out that the wall was neither classified as a heritage structure by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) nor listed in the city’s notified heritage list. The area was being cleared to construct a boundary wall for a nearby bus stand, and safety was the driving factor behind the decision. However, the lack of proper documentation on-site has further fuelled the activists’ concerns.
Sustainability in heritage conservation remains a complex issue. While the preservation of historic sites is essential for cultural continuity, it must be balanced with modern safety standards and urban development needs. The AMC’s decision underscores the tension between urbanisation and heritage conservation, as rapidly expanding cities face the challenge of integrating historic structures into modern infrastructure. Such developments require a careful approach that balances safety, heritage, and sustainability.
The demolition has sparked widespread debates among heritage conservationists, urban planners, and local residents, many of whom feel a deep connection to the city’s cultural past. The police are currently investigating the incident and have sought evidence from both parties to determine whether the demolition followed due process. For the people of Ahmedabad, the destruction of yet another historic site raises critical questions about how the city should approach its rapid development while safeguarding its heritage.
