RAJKOT: The extensive demolition drive targeting illegal structures near the sea in Devbhumi Dwarka district was extended to Pirotan Island in Jamnagar, a haven for environment enthusiasts. Authorities cleared nearly 4,000 sq ft of encroached land on Sunday and Monday.
The operation also continued in Bet Dwarka, the island village near Okha port.
On Pirotan Island, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, nine illegally constructed religious structures were demolished on Monday by the district administration in coordination with the forest department.
Jamnagar superintendent of police (SP), Premsukh Delu, told reporters, “We cleared approximately 4,000 sq ft of land by demolishing nine illegal religious structures. This area is crucial as it hosts five single-point moorings (SPM) that facilitate the shipment of 60% of India’s crude oil requirements. The island is home to diverse marine life, and the movement of people due to these illegal structures posed risks to vital industrial facilities and maritime security.”
Delu added, “The unregulated movement of people on this island also increased the risk of narcotics smuggling. With significant industries like GSFC, Reliance, and Nayara Energy situated nearby, as well as air force and navy bases, securing these assets necessitated the removal of illegal encroachments.”
Meanwhile, the Devbhumi Dwarka district administration continued its demolition drive for the third consecutive day in Bet Dwarka and the Okha port area, demolishing 83 structures on Monday. Among these were three illegal religious structures in Okha. Authorities claimed that land worth Rs 35 crore in market value was reclaimed.
Dwarka’s prant officer, Amol Awate, said, “We demolished an old shrine that encroached on govt land. The first notice to vacate was issued in July 2023, followed by a reminder in July 2024. A final demolition notice was issued on January 11, but no response was received. The documents were thoroughly verified before proceeding with the demolition.”
He added, “Three illegal religious structures on govt land with a market value of Rs 3.25 crore were also removed.”
In Bet Dwarka, 80 houses built illegally on 60,800 sq m of govt land were demolished over the weekend. The land, valued at Rs 35.48 crore, has been reclaimed. “The anti-encroachment drive will continue until all encroached land is recovered,” Awate stated.
Nearly 1,000 police personnel have been deployed for the demolition drive in Devbhumi Dwarka, with additional reinforcements mobilised from other districts.
