Ahmedabad: In a significant anti-encroachment effort, authorities in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district initiated a mega demolition drive behind the Somnath temple. Approximately 3 hectares of land, owned by the Shree Somnath Trust and the state government, were cleared of unauthorized structures. The operation, supervised by the Collector Harji Vadhvaniya and involving 21 houses and 153 huts, aimed to reclaim the land for the temple trust and the government. The Somnath temple, considered the first among the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, attracts pilgrims and tourists and is a revered site.

The demolition drive, beginning in the morning with the presence of officials and heavy police security, targeted unauthorized residential encroachments on the 3-hectare land. The Collector stated that the land would be fenced according to the circular issued by the state revenue department. Prior to the operation, a meeting was held with representatives of the encroachers to explain the process. The administration facilitated the removal of household items by providing tractors and laborers, and arrangements were made to offer food packets to those affected.

Gir Somnath district Superintendent of Police, Manoharsinh Jadeja, mentioned the deployment of a large number of police personnel to ensure the smooth execution of the drive. The operation was expected to conclude by evening, and the sealed-off area involved land belonging to the government and the temple trust. Authorities remained prepared for emergencies with the presence of State Reserve Police, firefighters, and teams from the Rapid Action Force and Quick Response Team.

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