PM Modi, Shah and Sanghvi's Trio Launches Anti-Encroachment Drive in Gujarat

(Utkarsh Patel)

The Gujarat government has given priority to the anti-encroachment Drive in 2025, in which illegal mosques, shrines and other structures have been demolished in areas like Somnath, Dwarka and Ahmedabad. The Drive has freed up government lands, which has given a boost to development works and helped strengthen national security. These steps are the result of the leadership style of PM Modi, the country's Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat's Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, which has given priority to rule of law and public interest.

The anti-encroachment Drive in Gujarat in 2025 began with the Chandola Lake area of ​​Ahmedabad, where more than 12,000 illegal structures were demolished. Over 1,200 Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants were evicted from the area, which was also found to have links to al-Qaeda and drug cartels. The operation involved 74 JCBs, 200 trucks and 2,000 police personnel, which cleared 3.5 lakh square metres of land and recovered government land worth ₹200 crore. The operation was approved by the Gujarat High Court, which dismissed the encroachers’ pleas.

The operation was also extended to Dwarka and Somnath. Over 36 illegal structures, including mosques and shrines, were demolished in Dwarka’s Bet Dwarka and Pirotan Island. The area has been declared 100% encroachment-free, the drone footage of which was shared by Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi on social media. This action strengthened maritime security and prevented unauthorized activities like drugs and human trafficking. In Somnath, 9 mosques and shrines were also demolished, freeing up 102 acres of land and recovering government land worth ₹32 crore.

The success of this Drive is a result of PM Modi's leadership style, where he always gives priority to development and rule of law. With PM Modi's foresight and decisive approach, Gujarat has been established as a model state where problems like encroachment are dealt with with strict measures. The work style of the country's Home Minister Amit Shah is also commendable, as he is known for strengthening state and national security and internal order. Under his guidance, such Drives have gained momentum in Gujarat that prevent unauthorized entry and terrorist elements.

The work style of Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi is the backbone of this Drive. He said, ‘We will vacate government land and remove the illegal settlers.’ His decisive and transparent approach has made the Drive a success, which has seen coordination between the police and the administration. Under Sanghviji’s leadership, Gujarat has created encroachment-free areas that make land available for development projects.

This Drive has opened new doors of development in Gujarat. The release of lakes and beaches has protected the environment and increased national security. The trio of PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Sanghvi have established Gujarat as a safe and developed state, which is an inspiration to other states. It is clear from this style of work that following the law is the key to development.

(The author is a renowned entrepreneur and social worker. The views expressed in the article are their personal opinions.)