The Gujarat Government has taken decisive action against encroachments, especially concerning Government land near the Somnath Mandir, which has faced illegal constructions for years. More than fifty buildings, religious sites, and even a 500-year-old graveyard had been established on this land. To restore the area and elevate the Mandir’s grandeur, the Government initiated a major campaign to demolish all illegal encroachments.
A massive operation was initiated in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath to clear encroachments from Government land behind the Mandir. Starting late at night and continuing through the day, the operation utilised 36 bulldozers, hundreds of tractors, and dumpers, supported by 1,400 police personnel to clear 102 acres of land.
Illegal structures occupying 103 acres of Government land near the revered Somnath Mandir, situated 1.5 km away, prompted a police and administrative response that drew a large crowd. However, a robust police presence led to the dispersal of the gathering. Demolition efforts commenced at 3 am.
As part of this anti-encroachment campaign, authorities demolished nine religious sites and 45 residential buildings. In total, 102 acres of land, valued at approximately Rs 320 crore, were cleared of illegal constructions.
District Magistrate D D Jadeja stated that the administration issued notices long ago to vacate the illegal encroachments in Somnath. However, the land remained occupied despite these warnings.
Like the Ujjain Corridor, a new corridor is planned for Somnath, with approval already granted by the Union Government. Various development initiatives for the Somnath Mandir are currently in progress, and this demolition may accelerate the advancement of the corridor project.
