Five Illegal Structures Built by Officials Demolished Near Statue of Unity

Five structures allegedly built in violation of land allotment conditions and building regulations by serving and retired government officials have been demolished in Gujarat's Narmada district , near the Statue of Unity , authorities said.

The action follows proceedings to reclaim 13 residential plots allotted at concessional rates to senior government officials in 2019 in the Garudeshwar area, around one kilometre from the landmark. According to the administration, six plots have already been taken back , while two allottees obtained interim relief from a court . The remaining five structures were demolished on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, BJP MLA Darshna Deshmukh said she first raised the issue during a District Coordination Committee meeting in 2023 after reports questioned the allotment of government land to officials.

Deshmukh alleged that the plots were allotted solely for residential use , but some allottees constructed three- to four-storey buildings with 15 to 25 rooms , indicating possible commercial use. She further claimed that the local panchayat had issued notices to the plot holders multiple times during construction, but they failed to comply.

According to the legislator, the allottees also did not obtain the required town planning approvals or sanctioned building plans. Since the land falls within the Statue of Unity zone , the constructions were found to be in violation of prescribed regulations.

Deshmukh said the government's action demonstrated that no individual, including government officials or public representatives, would be spared if rules were violated. She also questioned why officials had sought plots in the rapidly developing Kevadia-Garudeshwar region, suggesting its tourism potential may have influenced the demand.