Gujarat’s Coastal Crackdown: Demolition Drive Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Bias (image-X/MrSinha_)
In a sweeping anti-encroachment drive, authorities in Gujarat have demolished several illegal structures, including residences, commercial establishments, and religious sites, across Dwarka and its surrounding islands. The operation, which cleared over 24,000 sq ft of government land valued at Rs 35 crore, has sparked controversy, particularly among the minority Muslim community, who allege discriminatory practices in the process.
The drive focused on Beyt Dwarka, Okha, and the ecologically critical Pirotan Island. Authorities razed 250 residences, one dargah, and nine mazaars. Notable among these was the demolition of the Hazrat Panj Pir dargah on Okha Island, located on land owned by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB).
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On Pirotan Island, religious structures and encroachments spanning 4,000 sq ft were cleared. Officials highlighted the island’s strategic importance, noting its proximity to five single-point moorings that supply 60 percent of India’s crude oil and its vulnerability to narcotics smuggling from international waters.
Concerns of Discrimination and Legal Violations
The Gujarat Minority Coordination Committee, led by convener Mujahid Nafees, accused the administration of “discrimination” against the Muslim community. In a letter to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the committee cited instances of Hindu temples and commercial establishments allegedly encroaching on common and grazing lands but being spared from demolition. Nafees also criticised the short timeline provided to residents to furnish ownership documents, stating that notices issued on January 3 were followed by public hearings on January 8 and 9, with demolitions commencing on January 10.
Authorities, however, denied any bias. Jamnagar superintendent of police Premsukh Delu emphasised the region’s security sensitivity, given its proximity to defence bases and major industrial facilities. “There are concerns of narcotics landing here from international waters,” Delu added.
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The recent demolitions are part of a broader campaign initiated in October 2022 to remove illegal structures from Gujarat’s coastal regions. In September 2022, similar actions in Gir Somnath district targeted encroachments near the Somnath Temple. High-profile trustees of the temple trust include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
More demolitions occurred in Kutch, Porbandar, and Junagadh, where both temples and dargahs encroaching on government land were razed.
While authorities assert that all actions followed due process, many argued the operations violated Supreme Court guidelines prohibiting forceful removal without adherence to proper legal procedures.
