Late-Night Operation Demolishes 8 Illegal Religious Structures In Jamnagar’s Sensitive Zones

Jamnagar: In a swift and secretive demolition drive carried out late Tuesday night, authorities in Jamnagar dismantled eight unauthorized religious structures that had encroached upon protected environmental zones near the city. The operation, jointly conducted by the Jamnagar district administration, Forest Department, and local police, targeted illegal constructions near the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and Marine Sanctuary,  both crucial habitats for migratory birds and marine biodiversity. Officials said the structures posed a serious threat to the fragile ecosystems, particularly the mangroves and breeding grounds within the sanctuaries.

Under the cover of darkness and with heavy police deployment, demolition crews moved in with JCB and Hitachi machinery, clearing nearly 15,400 square feet of encroached land, including approximately 9,000 square feet of built-up area. Some of the structures had reportedly stood for over a decade.

According to sources, the demolished sites included makeshift shrines and small religious installations constructed without permission on government and forest land. The operation focused on areas near the “landing points” within the jurisdiction of Panchkoshi A-Division and Bedi Marine police stations, regions considered vital for coastal security and environmental conservation.

Jamnagar’s top police officials, including Superintendent Premsukh Delu and Deputy SP Jayveersinh Zala, supervised the high-security operation. Officials said the action was part of a broader initiative to protect ecologically sensitive zones from encroachment and preserve the region’s rich biodiversity.