The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has initiated a road-widening project near the Narendra Modi Stadium, a move tied to the city’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
This development has ignited a legal battle, with residents challenging eviction notices in the Gujarat High Court. The contested area encompasses Baldevnagar and parts of Acher village in Sabarmati, where many families have resided for over six decades. The AMC’s actions are grounded in Town Planning Scheme No. 23, finalized in 1984, which designates the land for public infrastructure projects. However, residents argue that the scheme was implemented without adequate consultation or consideration of their longstanding occupancy.
Legal representatives for the residents contend that the eviction notices, issued under Section 68 of the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976, are unjust. They assert that the affected individuals constructed their homes legally and have been contributing members of the community for generations. The sudden enforcement of a decades-old plan, they argue, disregards the human and social capital invested in the neighbourhood.
On the other side, government officials maintain that the eviction process adheres to legal protocols. They emphasize that the road expansion is crucial for accommodating the anticipated influx of visitors and athletes during the Olympics. Furthermore, authorities have indicated that provisions are in place to offer alternative housing to eligible residents, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The Gujarat High Court has reserved its judgment on the matter, leaving the fate of the Motera residents hanging in the balance. This case underscores the broader challen cities face in balancing rapid urban development with the rights and livelihoods of existing communities.
As Ahmedabad positions itself on the global stage, the outcome of this legal dispute will not only determine the future of the Motera residents but also set a precedent for how urban planning intersects with social equity in India’s evolving cities.
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Ahmedabad Residents Protest Olympic Road Demolitions