In the old village of Motera, Ahmedabad, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation carried out demolition operations this morning on illegal constructions. Near the Asaram Ashram area, the West Zone, with police presence, demolished illegal parts of 17 buildings. According to information received, authorities stated that the action was taken because locals had not vacated the buildings despite prior assurances of rent and alternative housing.
During the operation, clashes were observed between authorities and local residents. As a large police force arrived in the old village of Motera on Saturday morning, anger spread among locals. Residents took to the streets with their property documents and tried to prevent officials from proceeding. As the situation became more tense, AMC officials announced over a microphone, giving locals only 30 minutes to remove belongings and vacate the buildings. This instruction further agitated the residents.
Some locals expressed fear of losing their livelihood and shelter. They said they have nowhere else to go and that the operation would leave them homeless. However, AMC officials clarified that the operation was completely legal and necessary to remove illegal constructions. Authorities reiterated that affected families would be provided with alternative arrangements.
The main objective of this demolition drive is to remove illegal encroachments in the city and promote planned development. This incident has also stirred local politics, with opposition parties criticizing the government’s action.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, located in western India, was founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah and served as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate. The city is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, blending Hindu, Islamic, and Jain influences, notably the iconic Sabarmati Ashram, which was home to Mahatma Gandhi during India’s independence movement. In 2017, Ahmedabad became India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, recognized for its well-preserved historic walled city and diverse cultural traditions.
Motera
Motera is a suburb in Ahmedabad, India, best known for the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium by capacity. The area has a rich history linked to the nearby Motera stepwell, an ancient water reservoir, and was historically a small village before rapid urban development. Today, it is a major sports and cultural hub, hosting international cricket matches and large-scale events.
Asaram Ashram
Asaram Ashram is a spiritual retreat and religious center associated with the Indian guru Asaram Bapu, who gained a significant following for his teachings on yoga, meditation, and Hindu philosophy. The ashram’s history became overshadowed by controversy, as Asaram Bapu was convicted in 2018 for the sexual assault of a minor, leading to widespread scrutiny and legal battles. Today, the site remains a point of contention, representing both a place of devotion for some followers and a symbol of ongoing debates about accountability within spiritual institutions.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, located in the Indian state of Gujarat, is a historic city founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It served as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later became a key center of India’s independence movement, most notably as the base for Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram. In 2017, the city’s historic walled area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Jain architecture.
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Motera
Motera is a suburb of Ahmedabad, India, best known for the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium by seating capacity. Originally the site of the Motera Stadium (built in 1982), it was completely rebuilt and renamed in 2021, reflecting the area’s transformation from a quiet residential zone to a major sports and cultural hub. The stadium’s construction also involved the relocation of a historic stepwell, highlighting the blend of modern development and heritage preservation in the area.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, is a vibrant city founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah along the Sabarmati River. It served as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate for centuries and later became a key center of India’s independence movement, famously home to Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram. In 2017, Ahmedabad was designated India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, recognized for its rich blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Jain architecture, including the iconic Bhadra Fort and intricate stepwells.
Asaram Ashram
Asaram Ashram is a spiritual retreat and meditation center associated with the Indian guru Asaram Bapu, who founded it in the 1970s. The ashram gained prominence as a hub for his teachings on yoga and spirituality, attracting followers worldwide. However, its reputation was severely damaged in subsequent years due to the guru’s conviction for sexual assault, leading to legal controversies and a decline in its public standing.
Narendra Modi Stadium
Narendra Modi Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, India, is the world’s largest cricket stadium by seating capacity, holding over 132,000 spectators. Originally built in 1982 as the Sardar Patel Stadium, it underwent a major renovation and expansion completed in 2020, after which it was renamed in honor of the Indian Prime Minister. The stadium has hosted numerous historic matches, including the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final.
Sabarmati Ashram
Sabarmati Ashram, located in Ahmedabad, India, was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 to 1930 and served as a pivotal center for the Indian independence movement. It was from this ashram that Gandhi launched the famous Dandi Salt March in 1930 to protest British salt taxes. Today, the site functions as a museum and memorial dedicated to Gandhi’s life and teachings.
Gujarat Sultanate
The Gujarat Sultanate was an independent Islamic kingdom that ruled over the region of Gujarat in western India from the early 15th century until its conquest by the Mughal Empire in the late 16th century. Founded by Zafar Khan (who assumed the title Sultan Muzaffar Shah I) after breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate, it became a prosperous and culturally vibrant state known for its thriving maritime trade, architectural achievements, and syncretic art. The sultanate left a lasting legacy through landmarks like the Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad and the stepwells of Adalaj, blending Islamic, Hindu, and Jain architectural styles.
