Jamnagar: In a major operation aimed at safeguarding the environment and coastal security, authorities in Jamnagar have demolished several illegal dargahs. These dargahs were built on government-encroached land in sensitive coastal areas, including near the Khijadiya Bird and Marine Sanctuary.

As part of efforts to strengthen Indian maritime security, a total of seven unauthorized religious encroachments, posing a threat to biodiversity near the landing point in the jurisdiction of Jamnagar Panch A and Bedi Marine Police Station, were removed in coordination with the Forest Department, the district police announced today.

The joint operation, conducted late Tuesday night by the Forest Department and Jamnagar Police, cleared approximately 9,000 square feet of illegal encroachments from a total of 15,000 square feet of land.

Speaking about the operation, SP Premsukh Delu said, “There is the Khijadia Bird Sanctuary and the Jamnagar coastline area, which also has various types of vital installations. Hence those encroachments have been removed with the help of forest department last night. A total of eight structures were religious encroachments. In the past, individuals booked under serious charges like the NDPS Act had taken refuge at these locations by building such illegal structures.”

The Forest Department removed the encroachments which also included 1-2 small temple while the police remained present to maintain law and order throughout the operation. DeshGujarat