Gandhinagar: Authorities launched a demolition drive on Monday to remove illegal constructions along the Sabarmati riverbank near Sector 30 in the state capital. The operation targeted around 10 illegal encroachments, including unauthorized religious and residential ones that had come up in the riverbed area despite prior notices.

The action began early in the morning, around 5:30 am, with heavy police deployment to maintain law and order. More than 200 police personnel were stationed at the site, including officers from the LCB, SOG, DySP ranks, and an ASP-led team. The operation was carried out in the presence of In-charge SP Ayush Jain.

Officials from the Roads and Buildings Department, the Capital Planning Department, the SDM office, and the Mamlatdar office also coordinated the action.

According to officials, several encroachments were disguised as religious structures, including small and large dargahs, around which illegal settlements and commercial establishments, such as RCC houses and roadside eateries, had been built. Around seven houses and two religious encroachments were removed during the operation. More locations will be cleared through the day, and police deployment will continue.

The administration had earlier issued notices to the encroachers, asking them to remove the illegal structures on their own. However, after they failed to comply, authorities proceeded with the demolition.

One of the most striking findings during the action was that the government land in question had undergone more than 1,500 manipulations in official records over the years. Officials say this unusually high number indicates a long-term and organised attempt to illegally legitimise the land or maintain encroachments on it.

The clearance operation is currently underway under strict police security. The authorities plan to remove more than 1,400 illegal structures across the city. DeshGujarat