Sabarmati Riverfront project displaces thousands in Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, many families are facing severe hardships due to the Sabarmati Riverfront project. This initiative aimed to beautify the city and attract investment but has resulted in the displacement of thousands of poor residents. Among them is 60-year-old Abida Biwi Abdul Rehman Sheikh, who now lives in poorly maintained flats after being evicted from her home by the river. The flats, built to replace the residents' previous homes, have quickly deteriorated. Cracks, leaking roofs, and broken facilities are common, leaving families struggling with inadequate living conditions. The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued eviction notices, demanding that residents leave the crumbling buildings. Officials claim the residents are responsible for repairs after a decade, shifting the burden away from the government. Many families find it difficult to secure jobs in their new locations. Former employment opportunities near the river are now gone, forcing some to take desperate measures to survive, such as selling their blood. This has become a grim reality for many, with reports of over 25 individuals taking their own lives due to financial stress since the project's implementation. Basic services in the resettlement areas are lacking. Residents complain about overflowing drains, uncollected garbage, and high electricity bills, all compounding their struggles. The poor quality of the housing has prompted calls for investigations into the construction standards and the swift pace at which the project was executed. Despite these issues and a recent court inquiry into the AMC's actions, residents remain hopeful for better living conditions. The ongoing situation highlights the adverse effects of urban development on vulnerable populations, raising questions about the true cost of such projects.