Gujarat: In a decisive move to reclaim temple land, the Gujarat government demolished 21 houses and 153 huts encroaching upon 3 hectares of land belonging to the revered Somnath temple and the state government. The mega anti-encroachment drive, launched Saturday morning, cleared the sacred area in Gir Somnath district, marking a significant step towards preserving the holy site.
“We are working as per the revenue department’s circular to remove unauthorized constructions and secure the land with fencing,” stated Collector Harji Vadhvaniya. Prior to the drive, officials met with encroachers on January 25th to ensure transparency and a peaceful process.
To ease the transition, authorities provided tractors, laborers, and food packets to displaced individuals. “There were two pockets of encroachment – 21 structures on 700 sq. meters and 153 on 3 hectares,” Vadhvaniya elaborated.
Superintendent of Police Manoharsinh Jadeja ensured robust security with two SRP companies and 500 police personnel deployed. Entry and exit points were sealed, and emergency teams like firefighters, RAF, and QRT remained on standby.
Somnath temple, considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, holds immense religious and historical significance. This decisive action not only protects the temple’s sanctity but also sets a precedent for safeguarding public lands.
While some may raise concerns about displacement, the administration’s proactive measures and prior communication suggest a commitment to balancing land reclamation with human well-being. The success of this drive paves the way for similar efforts to secure other religious and cultural sites across the state.
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