Opinion:Bhvanath demolition drive is good and should be continued

Girnar is the highest mountain of Gujarat. It is older than Himalayas. Girnar is one of the most interesting tourist attractions for curious foreign travelers who come to Gujarat.

For last many years the foothill area of Girnar – known as Bhavnath taleti – witnessed continuous haphazard constructions. Presently the illegal and haphazard constructions are spanning in the area as large as 57 acres.

It is worth appreciating that the district administration is now on drive to demolish all ‘free-style’ illegal constructions including some places occupied by sadhus and even some Mandirs.

Opposing this, a group of local and vocal Sadhus had last week given road-blockage call and they were held by police after they blocked the road to Bhavnath for about an hour.

Some Sadhus and local wing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad have given ‘Bhavnath bandh’ call today against the demolition drive. However the district administration should continue the demolition to regularize, beautify, facilitate and put a system in the area. Haphazard constructions like shops, akhadas, mandirs etc are actually killing the joy of Girnar foothills.

There should be thematic design prepared by architectures for the area of Bhavnath foothill. For any new construction it should be made mendetory to follow that design. Also all old constructions should be ordered to adopt new theme and design.

Due to nuisance of illegal and haphazard ‘free style’ constructions out cities, towns, and tourist places look like a piece of garbage. Whatever happened should be corrected now with strong hand. We always expect that from the government that has clear majority and strong, stable, pragmatic leadership.