Ahmedabad Begins Citywide Demolition Drive Ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games

The city of Ahmedabad has entered a major phase of preparation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. One of the biggest steps taken recently is a large-scale demolition drive led by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The operation began near the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and will continue across different areas in the coming months. This action focuses on removing illegal structures, clearing encroachments and creating smooth connectivity to the main sports venues. For many years, the city has struggled with unplanned construction in several localities. With the pressure of hosting an international event, authorities are moving fast to improve the city’s image and infrastructure. This blog looks at why the drive is happening, how people are reacting and what it means for the future of Ahmedabad.

Why the Demolition Drive Started

The biggest reason behind the demolition work is to prepare Ahmedabad for the upcoming international sports event. Thousands of athletes, officials and visitors are expected to arrive in 2030. To handle such movement, the city needs wide roads, clean surroundings and well connected routes leading to stadiums and training zones. Encroachments make it difficult to plan transport and safety arrangements. Illegal shops, temporary houses and unapproved buildings reduce road width and create traffic problems. By removing them, the city hopes to build better routes that can handle the heavy flow during the event. Another reason is long pending urban management issues. Many of these structures were already under notice for years. The upcoming games have given authorities a deadline and a strong reason to take action.

Focus on Areas Around the Sports Enclave

The first phase of the demolition took place around the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave. This area will be one of the main hubs for the event. Several new projects are planned here, including improved parking areas, wider entry roads and upgraded public spaces. Because of this, the surrounding region needs to be free from illegal construction. Officials said that clearing the space early will allow them to begin building new facilities on time. The enclave will host major sports events, opening ceremonies and training activities. A large number of visitors will gather here daily during the games. To create a smooth experience, the nearby areas need organized movement. That is why the initial focus was placed on this zone.

How the Demolition Process Works

Before starting any demolition, the municipal teams issue notices to the residents or shop owners. These notices inform them that the structure violates rules and must be removed. In many cases, officials give time to move belongings or shift to another location. Once the notice period ends, the teams start the demolition work using heavy machines. Police officers remain present to prevent conflicts and maintain order. The process usually begins early in the morning to avoid traffic issues. After removing the encroachments, the area is cleaned and marked for future development. Officials say that the work is done according to legal guidelines. They also mention that this is not only for the sports event but also for long term city improvement.

Reaction of Local Residents

The demolition drive has received mixed reactions from people. Some residents support it because they believe the city needs to be more planned and clean. They feel that preparing for a global event will bring pride and better facilities. Many say that without strict action, illegal construction keeps spreading and creates problems for everyone. However, others are unhappy and stressed about losing their shops or homes. Some families lived in temporary structures for many years and now face uncertainty. Shop owners who depended on street side stalls fear a loss of income. Several people argue that the government should have provided more time or alternative spaces. These mixed emotions show how complex the situation is for a growing city.

Concerns About Rehabilitation

One major concern is the rehabilitation of those affected. In many previous demolition drives across India, people complained about not receiving proper support after losing their structures. Ahmedabad residents worry the same might happen here. Some activists have asked the authorities to ensure that displaced families get temporary shelters and proper assistance. They also request fair compensation for shop owners. Officials claim that they will follow the appropriate rules and that only illegal and unsafe constructions are being removed. They say the main goal is not to harm anyone but to improve the city for the global event. Still, many people believe there should be clear and transparent plans for relocation. Without it, the drive may lead to hardship for vulnerable groups.

Impact on Traffic and Daily Life

Even though the demolition aims to improve future traffic, the current work has caused temporary disruptions. Some roads are blocked to make space for machines and workers. People living nearby often face dust and noise. Small business owners complain about reduced footfall due to barricades and restrictions. Auto drivers and delivery workers are also affected because some routes become unavailable during demolition hours. Authorities say these are short term difficulties and the long term benefits will be much greater. They have promised to complete each phase as quickly as possible to reduce inconvenience.

Expected Benefits for the City

If the demolition drive is completed as planned, the city may see several benefits. First, cleaner and wider roads will help manage the huge number of visitors during the Commonwealth Games. Second, the removal of illegal structures will make space for planned urban development, including better pedestrian paths, public transport routes and security setups. Third, it will improve the overall look of Ahmedabad, making it more attractive for tourists. Hosting a global sports event can also increase investment in hotels, transport and local businesses. For residents, long term improvement in traffic flow and public facilities can make daily life easier.

Looking Ahead to 2030

The 2030 Commonwealth Games offer Ahmedabad a chance to show itself on the world stage. Preparations have already started and the demolition drive is one of the earliest steps. Over the next few years, the city will see major construction, upgrades and planning work. The challenge will be to balance development with fairness to the affected people. If authorities can manage this responsibly, Ahmedabad may emerge as a modern and well organized city by the time of the event. The success of the games will depend not just on stadiums but also on smooth roads, safe spaces and strong public cooperation. The demolition drive marks the beginning of this journey toward transformation.