2024 has been an eventful year in Gujarat. Bulldozer action has garnered significant media attention across the nation. Illegal constructions valued in the thousands of crores have been dismantled, resulting in the leveling of land. The bulldozer, affectionately referred to as ‘Baba’ in Uttar Pradesh, has taken on the moniker ‘Dada’ in Gujarat.
Notably, both Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi have strictly addressed the issue of unlawful encroachments within the state. The report will explore the various locations in Gujarat where this bulldozer has operated in 2024, effectively removing illicit structures. We will also seek to determine the extent and value of the land that was vacated during this process.
Bulldozer action in Ahmedabad
A recent incident in Ahmedabad garnered significant attention, as a video surfaced depicting individuals openly confronting the police while wielding swords in the Rakhiyal area. In this alarming situation, several Islamists were observed brandishing swords in public. Notably, one individual, recognized as Fazal, issued threats to the police, prompting law enforcement to escort him away in their vehicle.
After the video gained widespread attention, the relevant authorities took action, uncovering that the properties owned by the accused were erected without legal permission. As a result, a bulldozer was utilized to demolish the homes of Altaf and Fazal. An official confirmed that the municipality had earlier notified both parties, requesting the removal of the structures. This development occurred on 21st December.
The second incident involved the notably sensitive area of Juhapura. On 25th October, a building referred to as ‘Neha Flat,’ constructed by the notorious Nazir Vora near Sonal Cinema Road, was taekn down. This entire residential project was developed without the requisite permissions. Although the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had already sealed the premises, construction activities resumed. The Municipal Corporation took immediate action once it was alerted to the situation.
It is noteworthy that this structure was dismantled by AMC in October 2020. However, Nazir disregarded legal regulations and resumed construction activities at the site. Once the Corporation became aware of the issue, the entire site was sealed, and further construction was prohibited. This action was executed under the stringent directives of the Vejalpur Police Station.
The third incident occurred in a slum adjacent to Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in the Bapunagar region. On 11th June, the AMC undertook the demolition of the unauthorized construction of Madina Masjid located at Char Rasta of Garib Nagar, Bapunagar. The estate department had received a complaint indicating that, in addition to the Madina Masjid, further buildings were constructed without the necessary permissions. In response to this complaint, action was executed with a significant police presence, resulting in the removal of the illegal constructions amid massive police presence.
In this instance, a local Muslim individual remarked that a mosque had been established along the route to the pit. Following the mosque’s construction, there was a notable surge in population, and subsequent work was undertaken on the mosque’s roof. This led to complaints from certain individuals, prompting higher authorities to intervene and dismantle the construction at the mosque. “If it is illegal, what happened,” objected some persons and claimed that such actions should not be executed, respecting the community’s sentiments.
“At the time of the mosque’s establishment, the population was significantly smaller. As the Muslim community grew, they undertook further construction,” they added and mentioned that the construction deemed illegal happened a year prior. “This system undermines religious places, as they did not get to indulge in corruption.”
Bulldozer action in Vadodara
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation ran bulldozers in a sensitive area following the murder of Tapan Parmar, the son of former BJP councilor Ramesh Parmar, who resided near Nagarwada Mehtawadi in Vadodara in the presence of law enforcement. Residents had frequently raised concerns with the Municipal Corporation regarding the congestion on Machchipith Road. In response to Tapan Parmar’s murder, both the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and the police took action. Consequently, on the evening of 19th November illegal encroachments in multiple areas were razed down.
The gang rape case in Vadodara garnered significant attention, with two individuals, Munna Banjara and Mumtaz, referred to as Aftab Banjara, being implicated. These accused were found to be living in an unlawful structure in Ekta Nagar Colony. In response, the municipal corporation took immediate measures by issuing a notice demanding evidence from them within three days. However, following the Supreme Court’s ruling against the demolition of their residence, the municipality opted to restrict its intervention to disconnecting the water and drainage services to Munna Banjara’s home.
Bulldozer action in Surat-Navsari
On the night of 23rd December, authorities undertook action to eliminate the encroachments along with the illegally established dargah located on Hanuman Road in Surat. A covert operation was carried out by the municipal team around 11 pm, during which the area surrounding Hanuman Road was sealed off to restrict entry. Demolition efforts began shortly after midnight. According to reports, the temple was situated on a site that obstructed traffic and it was intended for handover to the metro.
The faith of millions of Hindus was deeply offended when stones were thrown at the statue of Lord Ganesha, commonly referred to as ‘King of Variyavi’, in Sayedpura, Surat. This event led to significant unrest throughout the city. In response, police units were deployed, and thousands of Hindus took to the streets to express their outrage. Home Minister Sanghvi pledged that all individuals responsible for the stone-throwing would be apprehended before dawn and he fulfilled it. Following this incident, authorities initiated the demolition of illegal structures in Sayedpura on 9th September to prevent further criminal acts and maintain law and order.
On 10th July, Surat Police and local administration bulldozed the illegal construction of Surat’s Hashim Siddiqui, who was involved in many crimes. It was revealed that Hasim had encroached on government land in Limbayat and built a gym and cricket facility. After that, a team of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and a team of Surat Police Special Operation Group (SOG) reached the spot with bulldozers and carried out the demolition work. This encroachment was done right next to the temple.
On 28th December, bulldozer action was carried out on a mazar along Vansda Chikhli Road in the Navsari district. This action led to the closure of a large segment of the road near the referral hospital, with a strong police presence and high-ranking officials overseeing the operation. The shrine had been established on government land that had been occupied for a prolonged period. Additionally, the nearby referral hospital was obstructing the road widening project.
Bulldozer action was executed in the Hatadia Bazar region of Kheralu, Mehsana. This location was previously the site of stone-pelting incidents that occurred on 21st January, during the Shobha Yatra of Lord Shri Ram. The action took place in proximity to Hatadia Bazar and Zakatnaka in Kheralu. The municipality issued notices to the owners of 30-35 illegal structures, ranging from temporary to permanent, from Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple to Belim Wada in Hatadiya. Owners were instructed to present property ownership proof or voluntarily remove the encroachments.
However, after the notice was issued, no response was provided, leading the City Survey Department to begin measurements on 5th February. After the survey was completed, bulldozers were deployed to remove the encroachments. During this operation, senior municipal officials and a large contingent of police personnel were present.
In February, a Hindu man was killed by a mob of Muslims in the Prantij area of Sabarkantha over a monetary dispute. In response, the police registered a case against seven Muslim accused and initiated action to arrest them, successfully apprehending most of the suspects. Following the police action, strict measures were taken against the offenders, and the administration carried out bulldozer action. The authorities demolished 12 illegal shops and 2 mutton shops, amidst heavy police presence.
Bulldozer action in Junagadh, Somnath and Dwarka
On the late night of 9th March, the Junagadh Municipal Corporation conducted a major operation. The administration demolished the controversial and illegal shrine located near the city’s Majevadi Gate. Additionally, several other religious and unauthorized encroachments were also removed. The structure at Majevadi Gate had been the subject of controversy, and notices for its removal had been issued earlier.
Last year, an attempt to remove it had led to unrest perpetrated by Muslim groups in the area. Around two decades ago, the structure near Majevadi Gate in Junagadh began to take shape, and over time, its size gradually expanded. There had been persistent demands for the removal of the structure, attributed to its illegal construction, along with prior notices that had been issued.
On 27th and 28th September, a massive demolition operation was carried out in Veraval’s Somnath to remove encroachments. This was the largest demolition drive in the history of Gir Somnath. The operation involved senior officials, 1,500 police personnel, 36 bulldozers, and 70 tractor-trolleys. During the drive, certain religious structures, including Eidgahs and mosques, were also removed, leading to protests by large groups of local Muslims. However, the administration handled the situation firmly, ensuring control over the area and successfully completing the demolition work without major incidents.
The administration in January also carried out a two-day operation to remove encroachments. This action was taken after numerous complaints were received about increasing encroachments near the Somnath Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site. The operation began on the morning of 27th January with a large team from the forest and police departments deployed to clear the illicit occupation. Residents came out to protest the action, but the administration remained firm and proceeded to remove all illegal structures. During the operation, around 100 shanties and 21 permanent houses were demolished using bulldozers. Additionally, 17 bighas of land were cleared of encroachments.
On the second day of the operation, encroachments were cleared from the main road near the Somnath Temple. People had illegally occupied this government land for years. The district administration carried out the operation with a large police presence. During this demolition drive, the administration removed over 144 illegal encroachments erected along the main road leading to the Somnath Temple. Before initiating the operation, notices were issued to the encroachers, directing them to vacate the premises. The drive covered the stretch from Shankh Circle to Hamirji Circle.
A group of Muslim individuals illegally constructed a wall on government land in front of a Hindu temple, blocking the access route to the temple in Khambhalia, Dwarka. The administration took swift action by filing an FIR against the encroachers and arresting them. Bulldozers were deployed to remove the encroachment, restoring the pathway to the temple for devotees. The temple’s chief priest, Hirenpuri Goswami, filed a complaint against five individuals at the local police station. He charged that they forged documents to claim the government land situated to the north of the temple. Their intention was reportedly to obstruct devotees from visiting the temple by erecting the wall and blocking the access route.
Bulldozer action in Kutch
Kutch, the largest district in Gujarat, shares a border with Pakistan and is regarded as a region of significant security concern. This year, the Kutch administration undertook significant measures, deploying bulldozers across various locations from Kandla to more isolated villages. In February, a bulldozer action commenced in Mandvi.
Reports indicated unauthorized land encroachments along Mandvi’s coastline, particularly near the Muskani boundary, where the structures of Yusuf Shah Pir’s dargah and the Arif-e-Billah dargah in the Gundiyali border area had been unlawfully expanded. The discovery of encroachments and unauthorized constructions along the seaside prompted the administration to take action. On 28th February, the authorities proceeded to demolish the illegal structures.
On the same day, authorities in Bhuj carried out an operation along the Bhuj-Khavda road, demolishing illegal bhungas (traditional circular huts). The administration cleared approximately 2,000 square meters of encroached land during this action. A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) informed the media that prior notices had been issued regarding these encroachments, and the demolition was executed accordingly.
Investigations were also conducted into the legality of resorts built along the Bhirandiyara to Dhordo stretch, revealing a rise in illegal encroachments in the area. Following these findings, the action was initiated.
The greatest number of demolition operations in Kutch took place in March. On the night of 12th March, authorities used bulldozers to remove encroachments in Anjar, Kutch. Three illegal shrines built on government land were demolished. The administration carried out the operation to clear the encroachments under tight police security. As part of the drive, the Haji Pir dargah, Nagesha Pir dargah, and Valli Pir dargah were removed and the government land was reclaimed.
On 11th March, authorities in Kutch carried out bulldozer action in Bhangori Vada, Abdasa, to demolish two illegal shrines. Additionally, two water tanks were also destroyed during the operation. Before taking action, notices were issued to the caretakers of the shrines, but as they failed to remove the structures, the local administration proceeded with the demolition. The operation was conducted under tight police security.
On 9th March, the administration carried out a significant operation in villages like Jamkunariya and Kuran, demolishing 26 encroachments, including illegally constructed madrasas. Bulldozers were used to dismantle three madrasas built unlawfully on government land. The local administrative and police teams targeted illegal structures, including shops, hotels, and huts, in multiple villages. Additionally, 24 encroachments at the Sentry Kala Dungar near the border and two in Dhroba were also cleared, bringing the total to 26 illegal structures removed.
On 1st March, the administration took action against illegal encroachments by the father of a Muslim teenager accused of assaulting two elderly individuals in Bhachau. The father, Haji Ahmad Traya, and his brother were accused by Hindu organizations of encroaching on government land in Shikarpur village. Acting on these complaints, the Bhachau Taluka administrative authorities initiated the process of removing the encroachments.
According to officials, the accused was implicated in two encroachments. The first one was under a court stay, which prohibited any further action, while the second encroachment was successfully rectified.
The Gujarat government persisted with its demolition efforts in the strategically significant Kandla Port region of Kutch. In response to security issues, unauthorized encroachments surrounding the Kandla Port were dismantled. These encroachments comprised both small and large temporary shelters erected by local residents and outsiders, which occupied extensive areas of port land. The police observed a rise in criminal activities in the vicinity, underscoring the necessity of eliminating these structures. Acting swiftly, the administration launched the operation to remove the illegal structures.
The administration successfully reclaimed over 250 acres of land worth Rs 400 crore through continuous operations, in Kandla. A two-day demolition drive was carried out by the Deendayal Port Authority and Kutch Police, during which over 600 illegal settlements were demolished. More than 6,000 people had occupied this land for several years, disregarding repeated eviction notices issued by the Kandla Port Authority over the past two years.
During the demolition, over 600 temporary and permanent structures were dismantled. Most of the residents in the area were from the Muslim community, with many being migrants from other states. According to Kandla Port Authority Chairman Sushil Kumar, the encroachers had constructed buildings on approximately 2.5 kilometers of port land, including areas near the cargo jetty and creek. This land was critical, as it provided the only access route to the port’s waterfront.
Kandla Port is Gujarat’s largest port and is highly sensitive due to its proximity to the Pakistan border. The illegal settlements were dangerously located among ammonia pipelines and tank farms with a capacity of 34 lakh kiloliters. Frequent reports of theft, including pipeline damage, had raised serious safety concerns. Officials highlighted the catastrophic risk posed by these encroachments. If a hazardous gas like ammonia were to leak, the resulting disaster could surpass the scale of the Bhopal gas tragedy. Additionally, the proximity to the Pakistan border made these encroachments a significant security threat.
More encroachments removed
An unauthorized shrine was constructed behind the famous Ranjit Sagar Dam. The issue came to light in May when OpIndia published a series of investigative reports, drawing the administration’s attention to the encroachment. Following the reports, on 19th May, the authorities, under heavy police deployment, reached the site and demolished the illegal structure using bulldozers.
The removal of the structure had been ordered by the Mamlatdar back in 2022, but no action was taken at the time. Hindu activists continuously raised the issue, and recently, the matter resurfaced with OpIndia’s detailed coverage of the matter. This prompted the officials to act decisively and clear the area. OpIndia’s on-ground reporting brought the issue into focus, pointing out the seriousness of the occupation. The administration, with the support of local Hindu leader Yuvraj Solanki, executed the demolition and successfully reclaimed the land of the dam from illegal occupation.
The Bariyapir dargah, an illegally erected structure located near the Lalpur Bypass in Jamnagar, was demolished. This site had been subject to encroachment for an extended period. Premsukh Delu, the Chief of Police for Jamnagar District, confirmed this action in an interview with OpIndia, indicating that the shrine was built unlawfully and its demolition was carried out in accordance with a directive from the Supreme Court. The structure was built on a public road, prompting the authorities to issue notices and request ownership documents. However, as the construction was on a public pathway and no valid documents were provided, the police initiated the demolition process.
The administration took bulldozer action against multiple illegal constructions by the notorious Razak Saicha in Jamnagar. Several unauthorized buildings constructed by him in Bedeshwar and Bedi areas were demolished. This included illegal houses and shops in Bedi, followed by two illegal bungalows. In December 2023, another illegal house belonging to Razak Saicha was also demolished.
The Saicha brothers, who are involved in multiple criminal cases, are currently serving jail time. The Mamlatdar’s office recently filed a complaint against them for constructing houses on government land, prompting a local police survey. The investigation revealed that a bungalow was built on government land located on Bedi Bandar Road in Jamnagar. Razak Saicha is also imprisoned in connection with the suicide case of a teacher in Jamnagar, in May 2023.
A teacher died by suicide, leaving a note naming Razak Saicha, Akhtar Anwar Chamadia, and Afroz Tayeb Chamadia as responsible. The note accused them of harassment and defamation under the guise of a love affair. This case added to Saicha’s long list of criminal allegations.
The year 2024 in Gujarat was characterized by consistent bulldozer operations aimed at reclaiming both government and private land from unlawful encroachments. A significant incident was the Somnath demolition case, in which the Muslim community petitioned the Supreme Court for a stay on the demolition activities. Upon assessing the scale of the illegal encroachments, the Supreme Court ruled that the demolition should proceed as intended. Nevertheless, the court issued specific guidelines to address certain concerns during the process. Throughout the year, numerous instances highlighted the bulldozer as a representation of stringent administrative measures against encroachments, highlighting the government’s resolute position on the issue.
