Over a month after devastating floods occurred in Vadodara, authorities have finally begun removing illegal structures along the Vishwamitri River. The move comes after BJP MLA Keyur Rokadia raised concerns about unauthorised constructions along the riverbank, prompting Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to authorise the demolitions.
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to 13 illegal encroachments. Once the deadline passed, the corporation initiated demolition work, starting with the Agora Mall’s clubhouse and retaining wall in the Sama area. This mall was constructed by the Balaji Group and has been a focal point of the recent action.
The flooding last month caused severe damage, with water entering homes and shops, leading to crores of rupees in losses. Public outrage erupted when allegations emerged that illegal encroachments along the river were a significant factor in causing the flood, rather than it being solely a natural disaster.
Following the receding of floodwaters, a survey of the riverbank identified 13 illegal constructions. Based on this information, MLA Rokadiya appealed to CM, urging swift action similar to previous demolitions in Dwarka and Somnath.
In response, the Chief Minister instructed Municipal Commissioner Dilip Rana to oversee the removal of illegal structures based on the survey’s findings.
Agora Mall: The “Core” of Problem
The demolition at Agora Mall is being carried out under tight police protection. Environmental activists have also gathered at the site, asserting that the entire mall, not just the clubhouse, was illegally built. They argue that the structure sits on the River Vishwamitri’s floodplain, a violation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) regulations, as the area is designated as a green zone.
In addition to the demolitions, VMC has issued notices to several makeshift and semi-permanent structures along the river. The corporation is also considering temporary constructions in certain areas, with decisions regarding permissible structures from Harni to Vadsar expected soon.
Congress Counters VMC, State Government
Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee President Shaktisinh Gohil has urged the state government and VMC to fully restore the natural water flow to the River Vishwamitri by demolishing all illegal constructions, not just selected structures like the Agora Mall’s clubhouse.
“Simply demolishing selected structures will not satisfy the public. According to Vadodara’s residents and experts, the entire Agora Mall is illegal, and not just the clubhouse should be demolished. All buildings obstructing the city’s water flow into the Vishwamitri River should be taken down,” he said.
Gohil criticised the delay in action, stating that corruption had allowed the conversion of green zones into concrete developments, worsening flood risks. He questioned, “Why criminal cases had not been filed against officials responsible for permitting these illegal buildings?”
He further demanded that the complete water pathway of Vadodara to the Vishwamitri River be cleared and that the green zone be reinstated.
Identified Illegal Constructions:
1) Near Sama-Harni bridge, opposite Somnath Villa (site office)
2) Opposite Siddharth Bungalow and Urmi School, Harni (residential property)
3) Kashiba Children’s Hospital, Karelibaug (pump room)
4) Shruti Mandir Ashram, Harni (temple dome, prayer and meditation room)
5) Maryland Party Plot, Harni (kitchen in tin shed, temporary structure)
6) Global Discovery School, Harni (canteen shed, voluntarily removed)
7) Two semi-permanent houses near Global Discovery School
8) Agora Mall, Sama (clubhouse and retaining wall)
9) Industrial Estate, Bahucharaji Road, Karelibaug (fabricated shed)
10) Near R.C. Patel Estate, Akota (labour camp, voluntary removal in progress)
11) Water Lily, near Vadsar Village (labour camp and retaining wall)
12) Vishwakunj Society, Karelibaug (temporary shed)
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