The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has issued notice to remove illegal religious structures in the city, leading to protests by the occupants. This move comes after the Supreme Court and the High Court have shown concern about the encroachments on public roads.
According to an official press release from the AMC, a total of 1,386 illegal religious structures have been identified in Ahmedabad. Among these, 149 structures are slated for immediate removal or relocation.
The zonal estate department has been serving notices to such structures over the past few days. Areas like Khokhra, Maninagar, Ramol, Vatva and Isanpur have witnessed these enforcement actions.
Notices were issued to remove the unauthorised religious structures from Bhathiji Maharaj Temple on Viratnagar Road, Shanidev and Patlia Hanumanji Temple in India Colony, Hanumanji Temple on Bombay Conductor Road, Khodiyar Temple in Ramol and Sai Baba Temple in Sardarnagar.
However, local communities have expressed resistance to the notices. In Bhaduatnagar and Isanpur, residents gathered to protest a notice issued against the Ram temple.
The AMC’s action comes after the Gujarat High Court criticised the lack of effective measures against illegal religious structures. With a court-imposed deadline approaching, the AMC has intensified its efforts to comply with the judicial order. However, protesters have warned of consequences if the civic body proceeds with the removal of religious structures without considering public sentiment.
A senior AMC official acknowledged the tense situation, stating, “The civic body is executing the court orders, but the challenge lies in balancing legal requirements with community sentiments.”
The decision regarding relocation, regularisation, or removal will be based on their impact on traffic flow and public spaces, the AMC official said.
Also Read: UP: Four Dead, Many Injured As Train Derails In Gonda
