The ongoing demolition campaign has now reached its third day, showcasing the administration’s commitment to reclaim government land. According to official reports, approximately 36,400 square meters of government land, valued at over ₹15 crore, has been retrieved so far. Among the demolished structures was the illegally built Hazrat Panj Pir Dargah. A robust police force was deployed on-site to maintain peace and ensure that the operation proceeded without disruptions. Authorities emphasized that the drive targets all forms of illegal encroachments without any discrimination.

In Bet Dwarka's Balapar area, a staggering 450 individuals received notices for illegal encroachments on government land. Out of these, 111 structures have already been razed, and encroachments on Revenue Survey No. 108 have been cleared. This reflects the administration’s determination to recover valuable public land efficiently and lawfully.

The demolition drive, which began on Saturday in Dwarka Panthak, has made remarkable progress. By Sunday, around 200 illegally constructed houses in Bet Dwarka, Devbhoomi Dwarka, were demolished, successfully reclaiming 24,000 square meters of government land. Adding to these efforts, the illegally built dargah in Okha was brought down yesterday morning, and another similar structure is expected to face demolition shortly.

The demolition drive in Gujarat’s Dwarka district has taken a decisive turn, targeting illegal encroachments beyond Bet Dwarka and Okha. Authorities recently took bulldozer action against unauthorized structures spread over approximately 4,000 square feet on Pirotan Island. This significant move aims to protect both national security and the delicate marine ecosystem of the region.

Pirotan Island holds critical importance, being situated near five Single Point Mooring (SPM) stations responsible for supplying 60 percent of India’s crude oil. Additionally, the island is a part of the Marine National Park, which houses unique and diverse marine life, including coral reefs. The illegal encroachments were not only endangering the marine ecosystem but also threatening the area’s security. The increasing presence of unauthorized mazars on the island raised concerns about potential demographic changes, further underscoring the need for immediate action.

Gujarat’s Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi expressed the government’s firm stance through a post on X, stating, “Bet Dwarka is the land of faith for crores of people across the country. We will not allow any illegal encroachment on Krishna’s land. It is our responsibility to protect our faith and culture. The Bhupendra Bhai Patel government in Gujarat has shown zero tolerance for illegal encroachment.”

As part of the intensified drive, entry to Bet Dwarka for pilgrims has been temporarily restricted to ensure the smooth execution of the operations. Barricades have been erected, and strict police security has been deployed to maintain order. Despite these measures, the authorities have ensured that the temple’s sanctity remains intact. The daily worship and prayers at the temple continue uninterrupted, demonstrating the administration’s respect for religious sentiments.

To maintain transparency and efficiency, drone cameras are being deployed to monitor the progress of the demolition operations. The timeline for the completion of this extensive campaign remains uncertain due to the large number of encroachments involved. However, officials are prepared for a prolonged effort to reclaim the illegally occupied land and restore it to its rightful purpose.

The Gujarat government has expressed grave concerns about national security due to the unauthorized occupation of critical areas such as Pirotan Island. According to the Department of Information, this occupation resulted in increased unregulated movement of people, raising alarms about the potential use of these sites for NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances)-related activities. Such activities posed severe risks to vital industries and the nation’s defense framework, necessitating immediate action.

Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, in a post on X, shared details about the operation, stating, “Pirotan Tapu (Island) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is now free from all illegal encroachments! Pirotan Island, part of Marine National Park, is crucial for national security & marine life. Yesterday, 9 illegal religious structures spanning 4000 sq ft were removed from the island, restoring its natural state.”

The operation, which involved the removal of nine illegal religious structures covering an area of 4,000 square feet, marked a significant step toward restoring Pirotan Island to its pristine condition. The island, being a part of the Marine National Park, is not only vital for marine biodiversity but also holds strategic importance for the country. Clearing these encroachments underscores the government’s commitment to preserving both national security and the ecosystem.

A massive team of 1,000 personnel, including senior administrative and police officers, has been deployed to carry out the demolition drive. Before the operation began, a comprehensive plan was formulated by top officials from the administration and police department to ensure its smooth execution. The district police chief, along with other key officers, monitored the situation closely on the ground, maintaining order and supervising every step of the process.

To ensure transparency and efficiency, drone cameras are being employed to track and document the progress of the drive. However, with the extensive number of illegal structures spread across multiple locations, officials have indicated that the operation may require a considerable amount of time to complete.

Bet Dwarka, located on the western edge of India and just 2 kilometers from Devbhoomi Dwarka, also remains a focal point of this extensive campaign. Known for its temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the island holds immense religious significance for millions of Hindus who visit annually to offer their prayers. While access to the island was once limited to sea routes, the recent construction of a bridge has significantly eased travel for devotees.

Gujarat’s extensive 1,600-kilometer coastline provides significant strategic and economic advantages, but it also presents unique security challenges. Recognizing this, the Bhupendra Patel government has prioritized both strengthening security measures and addressing long-standing issues of illegal encroachments on government land in these critical regions.

The campaign to eliminate unauthorized occupations began in Dwarka in 2022, marking the start of one of Gujarat’s largest demolition drives in history. During this initial phase, hundreds of acres of government land were reclaimed as bulldozers dismantled unlawful structures. The success of this operation set the stage for similar drives in other coastal areas, including Somnath and Porbandar, where large-scale demolitions were carried out to reclaim valuable public resources.

In a continued effort to address encroachments, bulldozers have now returned to Dwarka. Reports indicate that after the 2022 operation, authorities conducted thorough investigations to gather further information about illegal activities in the Bet Dwarka area. These investigations led to the identification of additional unauthorized constructions, prompting a renewed phase of the demolition drive. Government sources have confirmed that such actions will persist wherever encroachments are discovered in the region, ensuring no illegal occupation is left unchecked.

The Bhupendra Patel administration's approach demonstrates a firm commitment to maintaining the integrity of coastal regions. By reclaiming government land and addressing security vulnerabilities, the ongoing efforts not only protect Gujarat’s natural resources but also reinforce law and order across its strategic coastline.