Gujarat: Mega demolition drive clears unauthorized buildings

In Gujarat, around 100 unauthorized structures were removed in a massive demolition drive on Bet Dwarka island. The state government deployed bulldozers in 'Devbhoomi' Dwarka district to target illegal residential and commercial buildings in the Balpar area. This action marks the continuation of a campaign initiated in 2022 to clear illegal constructions across Gujarat's coastal districts, including Devbhoomi Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, and Junagadh, according to information.The operation, now in its second consecutive day, has already witnessed substantial progress. 
On Saturday, a total of 76 residential buildings valued at Rs 6.72 crore and spanning 12,500 square meters were demolished. Among them, 52 residential properties worth Rs 2.95 crore were razed in Balpar, restoring 5,500 square meters of government land. Additionally, 14 properties valued at Rs 3.76 crore near the Gurudwara area were removed as part of the drive.Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghavi, highlighted the significance of the operation on the social media platform X. Sharing videos of the encroachment removal process, he emphasized the sacredness of Bet Dwarka as a land of faith for millions. "We will not allow any kind of illegal encroachment on Krishna’s land. Protecting our faith and culture is our responsibility," he stated.

बेट द्वारिका देश भर के करोड़ों लोगों की आस्था की भूमि है। कृष्ण भूमि में किसी भी अवैध अतिक्रमण को नहीं होने देंगे। हमारी आस्था और संस्कृति की रक्षा करना हमारी जिम्मेदारी है।

Bhupendra Bhai Patel government in Gujarat has shown zero tolerance for illegal encroachment. pic.twitter.com/gaa8ZBKMoL

— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) January 11, 2025

According to information, authorities, including the Dwarka Prant officer and a team of over 1,000 police personnel, coordinated the operation. Security was reinforced by officers from various units, including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) Sagar Rathod and Hardik Prajapati, the Local Crime Branch (LCB), the Special Operations Group (SOG), Police Inspectors (PIs), and State Reserve Police (SRP). Women police officers also contributed to the effort. To prevent untoward incidents, the entire area was cordoned off and monitored through drone cameras and CCTV surveillance.

(State Correspondent)