Day Two Of Demolition Drive In Jamnagar Amid Tight Security And Public Resistance

Jamnagar: The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) pressed on with its large-scale demolition operation for a second consecutive day, targeting illegal encroachments along the 3.5 km stretch from Swaminarayan Nagar to Gandhinagar. This drive is part of a city development plan to widen the road by 12 meters, and follows significant resistance from local residents on the first day.

Despite the tense start on Saturday, with confrontations and protests from affected property owners, the municipal authorities remained firm and managed to demolish 111 structures on the initial day. The demolition effort resumed early Sunday morning and continued throughout the day without incident, with over 100 additional properties being cleared.

The demolition is part of a broader plan affecting 331 properties. Final eviction notices had already been issued to all property holders before action commenced. On Sunday, JMC deployed a large team, including over 150 civic staff members and multiple machines to carry out the demolition smoothly. Law enforcement, including more than 100 police personnel, many of them women, were present on-site under the supervision of City B Division Police Inspector to maintain peace.

During Saturday’s protests, 10 individuals, including Congress corporator Rachnaben Nandaniya and two other women, were detained by police for disrupting the operation. They were later presented before the local magistrate and released on bail after agreeing not to obstruct future proceedings.

The Jamnagar demolition drive reflects ongoing tensions between urban development initiatives and resident resistance. However, officials have stated that the operation will continue as planned, with an emphasis on lawful and peaceful execution.