A demolition drive in Liya village of Viramgam taluka, Ahmedabad district, removed around 50 reported encroachments on Sunday, including more than 10 shops, over 15 compounds and residential structures, as a confrontation broke out between the Taluka Development Officer (TDO) and local representatives.
The operation was carried out early in the morning under heavy police deployment on land identified in Survey Number 109. The Gram Panchayat and the taluka administration were present as authorities began removing structures that the report described as illegal constructions and encroachments built over several years.
Three earthmoving machines, including JCB equipment, and other tools were used during the drive. The action continued despite a heated exchange between the TDO and local office-bearers. Police personnel at the site prevented the dispute from escalating further, after which the administration proceeded with the demolition, according to the report.
The structures removed included more than 10 shops, over 15 compounds and residential houses. The total number of encroachments cleared was estimated at around 50. The supplied report does not provide the exact area cleared, the ownership status of each structure or the total number of affected residents and businesses.
The demolition has also raised questions about the timing and process followed by the authorities. Local residents and representatives alleged that the action was taken shortly before a scheduled hearing in the Gujarat High Court concerning the matter. They further alleged that notices had been issued unilaterally before the drive and described the operation as hurried.
The report states that the Liya Gram Panchayat had earlier issued notices for the removal of encroachments. However, the sudden implementation of the demolition drive led to anger among local residents. The specific contents of the notices, the time given for compliance and whether any court direction governed the action were not detailed in the supplied report.
The confrontation at the site highlights the administrative tension that can arise when local land-use enforcement involves elected village representatives, the taluka administration, police and residents at the same time. While the administration proceeded with the removal operation, the allegations about the timing of the action and the pending court hearing remain attributed to local residents and representatives.
The immediate next steps are expected to include the authorities’ handling of the cleared land and any legal or administrative response connected with the allegations raised during the demolition. The supplied report does not state whether the Gujarat High Court issued an order before or after the operation.
