Officials stated that the action reflects a strict zero-tolerance policy against institutional corruption within the high-value tourism zone surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship development project. The ongoing drive has specifically targeted structures that were found to be in violation of land allotment and building regulations.
Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Legislative Assembly Darshna Deshmukh Vasava stated that she first became aware of the matter in 2022 through news reports and subsequently raised questions in the legislative assembly. She further noted that she was informed that 13 land parcels had been allotted to officials at significantly reduced rates. She also added that the government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is fair and ensures justice for all, stating that notices had been issued through the local self-government authorities to the landowners before action was initiated. She remarked that the demolition drive would set a precedent and expressed surprise over the selection of the specific location by officials, noting that one of the parcels belonged to a town planning officer.
The controversy originates from 2019, when a total of 13 land parcels were allotted during the tenure of then District Collector R. S. Ninama. These high-value plots were distributed at heavily discounted rates to Class I and Class II officers, some of whom have since retired while others continue to serve in senior administrative positions, including additional collectors.
Shortly after allocation, discrepancies were identified, leading the government to reclaim six of the plots within the same year. Of the remaining seven parcels where development had continued, five have now been targeted in the current demolition action. Sources indicated that lavish resort-style and commercial hotel structures with more than 15 bedrooms were under construction on these plots.
Subsequent investigations based on Right to Information applications and formal complaints revealed serious violations of the original allotment conditions. The officials involved were found to have bypassed town planning regulations and failed to comply with the requirement to construct modest residential houses within the mandated two-year period.
Instead, the allotted land was allegedly used to construct multi-storey luxury bungalows designed for commercial hospitality use, capitalising on the growing tourism activity around the Statue of Unity region in Kevadia. Investigations further indicated that the structures bore clear characteristics of commercial homestay operations, including multiple bedrooms and layouts suitable for rental-based occupancy.
Following a detailed inquiry, the district collector issued directives to reclaim the encroached government land and ordered the demolition of unauthorised commercial structures built on the properties. However, two of the seven remaining landholders obtained interim stay orders from the court, temporarily halting action against their properties.
The ongoing demolition drive underscores a significant administrative crackdown on alleged misuse of official land allotments, signalling intensified enforcement of land use regulations in one of Gujarat’s most strategically important tourism corridors.
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