A mega demolition campaign is being carried out to remove illegal encroachment on about 17 bighas of land behind the Somnath temple.
The campaign has been launched on the basis of several complaints over the last few years regarding encroachment on Somnath Trust and state government land near the Somnath temple.
In this operation, 21 houses and 153 huts were targeted, which were demolished during the mega drive and a total of 17 bighas of government land was exposed.
The operation was launched early in the morning in the presence of the Mamlatdar and around 100 revenue officials and heavy police presence was maintained to ensure peaceful implementation.
Collector Harji Wadhw.a said that following a circular issued by the revenue department, unauthorized residential encroachments are being removed and the area will be protected by fencing.
A meeting was held with the encroachers on January 25 to explain the entire process and the administration arranged for tractors and laborers to shift their belongings. Food packets were also provided.
Two Deputy Superintendents of Police and seven Police Inspectors, Special Operations Group, Local Crime Branch and Police GRD, along with two SRP comp.es and 500 police personnel were deployed here. So that there is no dispute.
