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Gujarat Bulldozers Roll: Religious Site Sparks Tension Amid Land Reclaim

Bulldozers are rolling across Gujarat to clear illegal encroachments from government land. In Gir Somnath's Prabhas Patan area, authorities removed 12 illegal structures including a religious site, sparking protests and police action. The operation freed valuable land worth over Rs 1.5 crore that will now be used for public amenities like playgrounds and health centers. This statewide campaign reflects the government's firm stance against illegal occupation while creating more citizen-friendly urban spaces.

Key Points: Gujarat Demolishes Illegal Encroachments in Gir Somnath Drive

  • 12 illegal structures including religious site removed in Prabhas Patan area
  • Stone-pelting and police lathi-charge during religious structure demolition
  • 1,300-1,400 sq meters land worth Rs 1.5 crore reclaimed
  • Drive extends across Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara for public amenities
  • Government emphasizes zero-tolerance policy on illegal encroachments
  • Reclaimed land to be used for parks, playgrounds and health centers
2 min read

Gujarat: Bulldozers roll on illegal encroachments in Gir Somnath

Gujarat authorities remove 12 illegal structures in Gir Somnath, reclaiming Rs 1.5 crore land amid protests and police action during demolition drive.

"Bulldozers will continue to roll against all illegal structures built on land meant for public amenities - Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi"

Ahmedabad, Nov 12

A large-scale demolition drive is underway across Gujarat to clear illegal encroachments on government land meant for public welfare projects.

As part of this campaign, authorities in Gir Somnath district's Prabhas Patan area carried out a major operation, removing 12 illegal structures, including a religious encroachment (a dargah), three shops, and eight residential houses.

Around 1,300 to 1,400 square meters of land worth over Rs 1.5 crore was freed from encroachment.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi asserted that bulldozers will continue to roll against all illegal structures built on land that could otherwise be used for public amenities such as playgrounds, gardens, libraries, and dispensaries.

During the operation, tension erupted when a large crowd gathered as officials began removing a religious structure, leading to stone-pelting on police personnel.

The police responded with a mild lathi-charge to control the situation. Several officers were injured, and cases have been registered against those involved in disturbing law and order.

The state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal occupation of public land, emphasising that such spaces belong to the people and will be reclaimed for community development.

The demolition drive in Gujarat is not limited to Gir Somnath -- it is being carried out across multiple cities and districts as part of a state-wide campaign to reclaim public land from illegal encroachments.

Local administrations in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar have intensified actions to remove unauthorised structures from government plots meant for community development.

In several cities, the reclaimed spaces are being planned for public amenities such as parks, playgrounds, libraries, health centres, and community halls, ensuring that the land serves its intended purpose.

Authorities have also made it clear that no encroachment will be exempted, regardless of its nature--religious, commercial, or residential.

Police and municipal teams are working jointly to ensure the peaceful execution of the drives, though occasional resistance has been met with firm administrative response. The initiative reflects the state government's broader vision to promote urban order, transparency, and fair use of public property.

By reclaiming illegally occupied land, the government aims to create more open, citizen-friendly spaces and set a precedent of strict enforcement against violations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support removing illegal structures, the demolition of religious places should be handled more sensitively. There should be proper dialogue and alternative arrangements made. The stone-pelting incident shows how emotions can run high in such matters.
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Arjun K
Rs 1.5 crore worth of land recovered! That's taxpayer money being put to good use. Hope they actually build those promised parks and libraries soon. We need more green spaces in our cities 🌳
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Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Gujarat for 5 years, I appreciate this initiative. Public land should serve the public, not private interests. The uniform application to all types of encroachments shows fairness in implementation.
V
Vikram M
The police showed great restraint in using only mild lathi-charge against stone-pelting. In other countries, the response would have been much harsher. Respect to our law enforcement for maintaining order while doing their duty.
M
Meera T
I hope the government also considers rehabilitation for the poor families who lost their homes. While illegal encroachments must go, we shouldn't forget the human element. Some may have nowhere else to go.
D
David E
This is exactly what India needs - strict enforcement of laws without exceptions. When rules are applied consistently, it builds trust in governance. Hope other states follow Gujarat's example

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