Chotila: The district administration has launched a major drive to remove illegal encroachments on government land at the foothills of Chotila hill, resulting in the clearance of approximately 17 acres of public land. The reclaimed land is estimated to have a market value of around ₹105 crore, officials said.

Chotila is home to the famous Chamunda Mata Temple, which attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. The encroachment removal was carried out to ensure smooth movement and convenience for pilgrims visiting the shrine.

According to officials, shopkeepers had encroached upon both sides of the 40-foot-wide road leading to the hill by extending structures by nearly 10 feet on each side, effectively narrowing the road to about 20 feet. This had caused traffic congestion and inconvenience to visitors.

The operation was conducted in presence of Deputy Collector H.T. Makwana, the Mamlatdar of Chotila, and the Police Inspector of Chotila Police Station. On both sides of the road from the National Highway towards the hill, nearly 400 to 450 shops had erected tin sheds and stalls on government land. Notices were served to the traders initially to remove the encroachments voluntarily. However, when the structures were not cleared, the administrative team began the demolition drive at 10 am.

Officials stated that the cleared land will soon be secured with wire fencing, and the road will be developed into a dedicated corridor for devotees. DeshGujarat