Plot chopped 4 times, now family home under threat

Ahmedabad: The family of Rajendra Patel in Vastral is spending sleepless nights as, once again, civic authorities are wielding the axe of development over their heads, threatening to shave off another portion of their plot of land. Through multiple projects, the authorities have already whittled down 40% land of the family, which had settled at the spot in 1874, from 3,200 sq yd to 1,975 sq yd.Now, the metro rail route is taking a special 'C' curve, rather than carrying on straight, to acquire 200 sq yd of Patel's plot and demolish part of his house and two shops.
Patel says the family is unable to fight the government as it is not part of a society, and the planning authorities see it as a soft target.
Four earlier acquisitions of Patel's land were made for different purposes ranging from roads and canal widening to town planning requirements under the Town Planning Act.
"We moved in the area in the year 1874 when the entire area was barren. There was nothing and one had to walk for three kilometres to fulfil daily needs. But today, the entire area is full of illegal constructions and encroachment," said Rajendra Patel, the current head of the family owning the plot.
Patel, who has moved the high court against the acquisition, said, "The alignment of the metro project is going straight, but it takes a 'C' curve near my plot, as the AMC wants to save an illegal shopping complex nearby his land."
"I challenged their move in Gujarat high court, and after hearing the matter, the court has ordered status quo. Despite that order, however, the AMC has continued with the construction. The stay was given to us on May 4 and the AMC and its contractors moved heavy machines on May 10 and also started work on Saturday. They are going ahead with the same alignment as if they are sure that the court will give the judgement in their favour," said Patel.
He alleged that though his house is getting demolished, he was not shown the plan by the civic authorities. Patel claims he's been at the receiving end, as the AMC officials are interested only in favouring those who can pay them bribes.
"My parents purchased a big plot wishing to live in peace. Little did they know that AMC would pressurize to take away our land whenever any development took place in the area," said Patel, adding, "Citing Town Planning Act they acquired a major portion of the land in 1985. We were alone, while others from whom land could have been taken lived in societies, and hence they targeted our land for the acquisitions and deductions."
According to Patel, three roads of 60 metres to 80 meters have already been cut from his land while a major portion was acquired for canal work. Now the AMC has issued a fresh notice to acquire another 200 yard of the remaining 1,975 sq yard plot for the metro construction.
This time, a portion of his house and two shops are also getting demolished.