Devbhoomi Dwarka: The Gujarat government today launched a mega demolition operation in Bet Dwarka. Under this demolition drive, around 45-50 illegal residential and commercial structures in the Balpar area are being razed.

The demolition drive in Bet Dwarka initially started in 2022, with similar operations carried out across various districts like Kutch, Porbandar, and Junagadh, aimed at removing illegal constructions. It is learned that intelligence reports had pointed to the increasing presence of illegal activities in coastal areas, prompting the government to take strict action.

This current operation marks the second round of demolitions in Bet Dwarka. Following the 2022 demolition, a re-survey revealed several additional unauthorized structures, leading to the continuation of the cleanup campaign.

Talking about the ongoing mega demolition drive in Bet Dwarka, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, took to Twitter and said, “Bet Dwarka is a land of faith for millions of people across the country. No illegal encroachment will be allowed on the land of Krishna. It is our responsibility to protect our faith and culture.”

‘Bhupendra Bhai Patel government in Gujarat has shown zero tolerance for illegal encroachment,” he added.

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

The demolition drive is being carried out under heavy police presence, with over 1,100 police personnel deployed to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, there are reports of an illegal religious structure in the area, which is also supposed to be demolished. However, due to a stay order from the court, the demolition action is likely to be carried out after January 20th, following the hearing on the matter.

The District Collector (in charge), SDM Amol S. Awate, told the media, “The action began this morning, and around 35 houses have been demolished that were built on Gauchar land belonging to the Gujarat government. As per Section 185 of the Gujarat Municipality Act, 1963, we had served two notices earlier, and after that, a Jan Sunvayi was held on the 8th and 9th of January, in which all the documents were verified. After that, the houses that did not have authorized documents were demolished. The action is ongoing and will continue for another two days until all illegal encroachments are cleared.” DeshGujarat