AMC removes encroachments from near Bhadra Plaza again

With an aim to unclog the arterial roads near historical Bhadra Plaza, a mega encroachment removal drive was conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on Wednesday. The civic body had conducted a similar drive in February when the Estate Department removed encroachments in the area.  

The team removed 411 illegal units in the area on Wednesday. “We have removed 250 street vendors who are not registered, and seized 411 illegal units,” said a civic official.

In 2015, the Estate Department had earmarked the area for registered vendors and conducted a drive for three days to keep the space encroachment-free. “We are regularly conducting drives, but somehow the area gets clogged two to three days after every drive,” said an official.

Many BJP councillors held that the re-development of the plaza was the reason behind the mess. At present, there are more than 1,500 vendors occupying the space. Before the re-development, there were 400 vendors in the area.

They also said the survey of vendors was faulty as it showed different figures every time. They have sought strict action against those responsible for the “faulty” survey, according to a BJP councillor.