Kutch: The Gujarat government is carrying out a mega demolition drive to remove illegal encroachments in coastal areas. On Thursday, 580 illegal constructions were demolished near Kandla Port in the creek area of Kutch, which borders India and Pakistan. Reports indicate that preparations are underway to demolish the remaining 55 illegal constructions today.

The areas targeted by the bulldozers were known hideouts for criminals involved in drug smuggling and illegal businesses. As a result of these demolitions, over 150 acres of land have been cleared in the port area.

It is reported that approximately 6,000 to 7,000 people were living in these illegal settlements near Kandla Port. The Kutch police, along with the Kandla Port Authority and CISF, worked together to eliminate illegal encroachments in the area. The port administration claims that approximately 150 to 200 acres of land have been freed from illegal occupation.

During the demolition process, Kandla Port arranged food for those whose homes were demolished, providing 6,000 food packets. They also employed 200 workers and used tractors to transport the debris. Many individuals came forward to offer assistance.

Starting at 6 a.m. on Thursday, the port administration, police, and CISF arrived with bulldozers and JCBs to begin the demolition operation, clearing approximately a two-and-a-half-kilometer stretch. About 600 huts were demolished, and the value of the land cleared is estimated to exceed Rs. 400 crores.

Superintendent of Police for East Kutch, Sagar Bagmar, emphasized that this action is crucial for coastal security. He noted that many criminal activities, such as damage to pipelines, oil theft, and theft from OTBs, were often traced back to individuals from the Banna and IFFCO slums. Thus, this action was deemed necessary from all perspectives, considering national security and port safety.

Kandla Port, located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, was established in the 1950s and is also known as Deendayal Port Trust. The infrastructure of this port is situated at three different locations along the Gulf of Kutch in Kandla Creek, Tuna Tekra, and Vadinar. In terms of cargo handling, this largest port in the country has made its mark among the major ports of the world. Now, there is a possibility of expansion on the land freed from encroachment. DeshGujarat