Junagadh: The Junagadh district administration on Wednesday carried out a major demolition drive in the Dharagadh locality near Uparkot Fort, clearing over 14,000 square meters of government land from illegal encroachments. In the operation, the Junagadh Municipal Corporation razed around 60 illegal houses, including encroachments made by anti-social elements.

The drive, carried out with heavy police support, focused on removing illegal constructions from government land. Junagadh Collector Anil Ranavasia informed the media that the first phase of the operation targeted approximately 59 illegal structures covering over 14,000 square meters. The estimated value of the encroached land is around Rs 50 crore. The demolition process, which involved 10 tractors and 10 earthmovers, saw the coordinated efforts of 60 administrative staff and 350 police personnel, including 3 Deputy Superintendents of Police (Dy SPs), 9 Police Inspectors (PIs), and 26 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) to ensure law and order.

The authorities also focused on properties linked to individuals with criminal backgrounds. Junagadh Deputy Superintendent of Police Hitesh Dhandhalia reported that bulldozers were used to demolish illegal structures belonging to eight individuals with criminal histories, including those facing charges under the NDPS Act and prohibition laws.

The operation was a collaborative effort between Junagadh police, the district administration, the Municipal Corporation, and the Archaeology Department, with drone surveillance ensuring safety and preventing any disturbances during the drive. DeshGujarat