Over 1,300 houses razed in Rajkot's largest-ever demolition drive amid heavy police deployment

In a significant demolition operation, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation razed over 1,300 houses as part of its largest-ever drive aimed at illegal constructions. The Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Mahesh Jani, revealed that approximately 1,500 properties received notices prior to the demolitions, which included various structures such as bungalows and multi-storey buildings. This action was taken amid a robust police presence to ensure safety and order during the operation. The drive highlights the municipal authority's ongoing efforts to address unauthorized constructions that have proliferated in the region, often in violation of building regulations. Local residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the initiative for better urban planning, while others lament the loss of homes. The demolition drive underscores the challenges faced by city planners in managing rapid urbanization and enforcing compliance with development norms in Rajkot.