Rajkot, Gujarat: A major administrative action is set to unfold in Jungleshwar Rajkot, where authorities have decided to remove 1,358 alleged encroachments built on government land estimated to be worth nearly ₹400 crore. The decision comes after the Gujarat Revenue Tribunal rejected appeals filed by hundreds of residents challenging demolition notices issued by the administration.
For weeks, the issue has stirred strong reactions among residents who claim they have lived in the area for decades. However, with the tribunal dismissing their appeal, the path is now clear for authorities to begin the demolition process. Officials say the land is required for future development projects, including the ambitious Aji Riverfront development plan, a large urban infrastructure project expected to reshape the city.
The developments in Jungleshwar Rajkot have triggered intense debate across the city, touching on issues of urban planning, housing rights, and government land protection. With thousands of residents potentially affected, the situation is likely to remain a major topic of discussion in Rajkot in the coming weeks.
Tribunal Rejects Residents’ Appeal Against Demolition
The controversy began when the administration issued demolition notices under Section 202 of the Land Revenue Code to property owners occupying government land in Jungleshwar Rajkot. The notices directed residents to vacate the land and remove structures within a specified period.
Following the notices, 720 affected residents approached legal authorities, filing appeals against the state government, the Rajkot District Collector, and the Mamlatdar of Rajkot City (East). They hoped the court would halt the demolition drive.
Initially, the matter reached the High Court, which granted a three-month stay on demolition on February 2, 2026. During that period, residents were allowed to present their case before the Gujarat Revenue Tribunal.
However, on March 25, 2026, the tribunal delivered its verdict, dismissing the appeal filed by the applicants. According to the ruling, since the land in question is government property and the constructions are unauthorized, the appeal could not be accepted.
This judgment has effectively cleared the way for authorities to proceed with eviction and demolition operations in Jungleshwar Rajkot.
Order to Vacate Land Within Seven Days
According to official documents, the disputed land falls under Revenue Survey Number 256 located in Rajkot City (East) Taluka Group-4, specifically within Town Planning Scheme No. 6.
The land includes Final Plot No. 159, where a large number of structures have been built over time. Authorities conducted an investigation and concluded that these constructions were unauthorized encroachments on government “kharaba” land, meaning land owned by the state but not intended for private occupation.
Under Section 61 of the Land Revenue Code, officials decided to initiate legal proceedings. The Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate of Rajkot City (East) then issued orders on March 23, 2026, directing occupants to clear the land.
Residents were given seven days to vacate and remove their structures after receiving the official order.
Officials say that if residents fail to comply, the administration will proceed with forced removal using bulldozers and demolition squads.
Long Legal Battle Before Final Decision
Before the tribunal ruling, residents attempted to seek relief through the judicial system.
They filed Civil Application No. 1315/2026 in the High Court, arguing that they had been living in Jungleshwar Rajkot for many years and that sudden eviction would leave thousands homeless.
The High Court did not directly decide the matter but directed the applicants to approach the Revenue Tribunal, instructing it to review the case and deliver a decision within 90 days.
Residents then submitted their appeal to the tribunal. After reviewing the records and hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal concluded that the structures were indeed built on government land without authorization.
As a result, the tribunal rejected the appeal, leaving residents with limited legal options.
Government Land Worth ₹400 Crore
Officials say the land involved in the dispute is extremely valuable.
According to Rajkot City (East) Mamlatdar Nilesh Ajmera, the area includes Survey No. 256 under Town Planning Scheme No. 6, comprising Final Plot Nos. 133, 136, 137, and 159.
The total land area is approximately 105,800 square meters, making it one of the largest disputed government land parcels in Rajkot.
Authorities estimate the land’s market value at around ₹400 crore, making the protection and recovery of this property a priority for the administration.
Ajmera stated earlier that the notices were issued under Section 61 of the Land Revenue Code, which allows the government to remove unauthorized occupants from state-owned land.
Residents Express Anger Over Eviction Notices
The demolition notices have sparked widespread anger among residents of Jungleshwar Rajkot.
According to local estimates, nearly 18,000 people currently live in the area, many of whom claim their families have been residing there for more than 50 years.
Residents argue that they built homes, shops, and community spaces over several decades, often with basic municipal services such as electricity and water connections.
When the demolition notices were issued, many locals staged protests and accused authorities of acting under political pressure.
Some residents claim they were never given adequate opportunity to regularize their homes or relocate before the eviction orders were issued.
Community leaders have also questioned the timing of the demolition drive, alleging that the administration is prioritizing development projects over the welfare of long-time residents.
Areas in Jungleshwar Rajkot That Received Notices
The notices to remove encroachments were issued to several neighborhoods in and around Jungleshwar Rajkot.
Affected areas include:
- Jungleshwar Street No. 1 to 58
- Nadodnagar
- Radha Krishna area
- Huseni Chowk
- Bapunagar
- Tawakkal Chowk
- Zamzam Chowk
- Noorani Chowk
- Kanaiya Chowk
- Ekta Colony
- Ankur Society
- New Sagar
- Patel Society
- Thakkarbapa Vas
In these areas, authorities claim more than 1,358 structures have been identified as encroachments on government land.
Link to the Aji Riverfront Development Project
One of the key reasons behind the removal of encroachments in Jungleshwar Rajkot is the planned Aji Riverfront development project.
The ambitious project aims to transform the banks of the Aji River into a modern urban corridor with public spaces, green zones, and commercial areas.
The estimated cost of the project is over ₹1,181 crore, and it will cover a stretch of approximately 11 kilometers along the river.
Authorities say clearing encroachments is essential before large-scale construction work can begin.
Environmental Clearance and Planning
The Aji Riverfront project has been under discussion for more than a decade.
The process began in 2011, but several approvals and technical studies were required before work could move forward.
One of the most important milestones came on February 17, 2022, when the project received Environmental Clearance (EC).
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation had earlier submitted its proposal to the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) on August 20, 2021, seeking environmental approval for the development.
The committee initially requested additional information and modifications. After completing the required revisions, the project proposal was resubmitted and eventually approved.
Role of Urban Planning Consultants
To prepare a detailed master plan for the Aji Riverfront project, the municipal corporation appointed HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd., an Ahmedabad-based urban planning consultancy.
The work order for preparing the master plan was issued on March 5, 2014.
The project planning process has been divided into three phases:
- Feasibility Study – assessing the practicality and impact of the project
- Government Approvals – obtaining clearances from various departments
- Final Master Plan and Design – preparing detailed design plans and tender documents
Officials say the feasibility study has already been completed, and environmental approval has also been obtained.
Proposed Features of the Riverfront
Once completed, the Aji Riverfront project is expected to significantly transform the urban landscape of Rajkot.
The development will include:
- Landscaped gardens along the riverbanks
- Wide pedestrian walkways and cycling paths
- Roads along the river corridor
- Food courts and public gathering spaces
- Designated hawkers’ zones
- Recreational areas for families and tourists
Currently, the width of the Aji River ranges from 80 to 150 meters. Under the project plan, the river channel may be regulated to around 70 meters, allowing space on both sides for urban development.
The initial phase of development will focus on the stretch between Dudhsagar Bridge and Indira Bridge.
Environmental Benefits of the Project
Apart from urban beautification, officials say the riverfront project will also improve environmental conditions in the city.
At present, large amounts of garbage and waste are dumped into the Aji River, causing severe pollution.
Once the riverfront development is completed, authorities hope to:
- Prevent dumping of garbage into the river
- Improve water quality
- Create green spaces that enhance the city’s environment
- Promote tourism and recreational activities
The project is expected to play a key role in revitalizing the Aji River ecosystem.
Political and Social Debate Continues
Despite the government’s plans for development, the situation in Jungleshwar Rajkot remains sensitive.
Opposition leaders and social activists have raised concerns about the displacement of thousands of residents.
They argue that while infrastructure projects are important, authorities must also ensure rehabilitation and resettlement for families who may lose their homes.
Local residents say they are not opposed to development but want a fair relocation plan before demolition takes place.
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What Happens Next in Jungleshwar Rajkot?
Following the tribunal’s decision, administrative authorities are expected to move forward with the next phase of action.
This could include:
- Issuing final eviction notices
- Deploying demolition teams
- Clearing encroachments using heavy machinery
- Securing the land for future development
If demolition proceeds as planned, it could become one of the largest encroachment removal drives in Rajkot’s history.
A Turning Point for Urban Development in Rajkot
The developments in Jungleshwar Rajkot highlight the complex challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in India.
On one hand, governments are trying to reclaim public land and build modern infrastructure projects like the Aji Riverfront.
On the other hand, thousands of people living in informal settlements face the risk of losing their homes.
As the administration prepares to act on the tribunal’s ruling, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds.
Whether the focus remains solely on demolition or shifts toward rehabilitation will shape the future of Jungleshwar Rajkot and the broader urban landscape of Rajkot city.
For now, one thing is clear: the ₹400-crore land dispute in Jungleshwar Rajkot has reached a decisive stage, and its outcome will have long-lasting consequences for residents, city planners, and policymakers alike.