Bhavnagar: Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation today conducted a demolition drive in the Sandhiyawad and nearby areas of the city. Amid heavy police presence, illegal encroachments, including religious structures, were razed.

The civic body is undertaking a drive to remove encroachments in areas such as Pinjara Wad near Barton Library and Motigar Ni Sheri. Several unauthorized structures were demolished using JCB machines. Crowds gathered during the operation, but a strong police presence ensured order. Among the demolished structures was the Pinjara Wad Masjid, which was built in the middle of the road.

Acting on a written complaint received by the Estate Department regarding religious encroachments near the Barton Library, Estate Department Officer Surendrasinh Rana and his team had previously issued notices to the concerned parties. However, as the encroachments were not removed despite the notices, the team, accompanied by police personnel, arrived at the site today to carry out the operation.

Despite some resistance from local residents, the municipal officials proceeded with the clearance. Both encroachments were removed within a short period, and the debris was cleared from the site. DeshGujarat