AMC faces backlash for demolishing a heritage wall, raising concerns over urban accountability
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) finds itself embroiled in controversy after the demolition of a reportedly heritage wall near the Gita Mandir GSRTC bus terminus. AMC Commissioner issued notices to three senior officials—Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramya Bhatt, Assistant Commissioner Milan Shah, and Deputy TDO Chintan Engineer—for alleged negligence in demolishing the structure without prior approval. The demolition, carried out on October 1, has drawn public and political ire, particularly from the Leader of the Opposition, who criticised the disregard for Ahmedabad’s architectural heritage.
The contentious action was reportedly taken to facilitate the construction of a modern bus terminus connecting Gita Mandir Crossroads and Astodia Darwaja. However, the move has sparked debates within civic and public circles about the rationale behind labelling the wall as dilapidated. Speculations suggest that the demolition was expedited to favour contractors involved in the ST station project. The vigilance department’s subsequent investigation flagged procedural lapses, prompting the commissioner to take corrective action. While the accused officials have submitted their responses to the notices, the controversy underscores growing concerns over the preservation of heritage amidst urban expansion.
From a sustainability perspective, such demolitions raise critical questions about the balance between urban development and heritage conservation. Ahmedabad, a UNESCO World Heritage City, holds significant responsibility to protect its cultural identity. Actions that disregard heritage conservation efforts could undermine sustainable urban growth, prioritising infrastructure projects over preserving historical landmarks. The incident highlights the need for stricter adherence to heritage protection protocols and transparent decision-making processes.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate interplay between urban development and civic accountability. With vigilance reports confirming lapses, the AMC must address the broader implications of neglecting heritage conservation. As cities like Ahmedabad strive to modernise, it is imperative to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with sustainability and cultural preservation.
