Bulldozer Action in Kandala: ₹400 Crore Land Cleared, 600 Illegal Structures Removed

Known across India and internationally, the Deendayal Port Authority conducted a drive to remove encroachments around the Kandla Port. Bulldozers finally razed illegal encroachments that had been standing for 50 years. With the support of police and CISF, about 600 temporary and permanent structures were demolished in one day, marking one of the largest demolition operations in Kutch. Approximately 200 acres of land, worth around ₹400 crores, was freed from encroachment. As a result, nearly 5,500 people residing in slum areas were forced to vacate overnight.

Kandla Port’s Mega Demolition Drive

With ongoing law and order issues in Kandla, the increasing number of slums and encroachments in the creek area had been a significant problem for decades. Despite repeated notices, no action had been taken until now. The Deendayal Port Authority finally launched a mega demolition drive to remove the illegal slums, specifically in the Banna and IFCO areas of old Kandla, covering approximately 200 acres of illegal structures.

Notice Issued on September 1

In 1998, a devastating cyclone claimed thousands of lives, and the administration declared there was no residential space in Kandla. Official colonies were vacated, and people were relocated to Gandhidham. However, the slums remained. On September 1, the port administration issued a final warning and notice, announcing the removal of encroachments. Clarifications were made the day before the demolition.

2.5 km Strip Cleared

Starting at 6 AM on Thursday, the port administration, police, and CISF cleared approximately 2.5 kilometers of land with bulldozers and JCBs. Around 600 slums, housing between 3,000 to 5,000 people, were demolished. The estimated value of the cleared land exceeds ₹400 crores.

Port Administration, Police, and CISF Personnel Present

The port administration noted that this step would help maintain law and order. Present during the operation were Port Chairman Sanjeev Singh, Vice-Chairman Nandish Shukla, SP of East Kutch Sagar Bagmar, Deputy Chief Engineer Srinivas, Manoj Gohil, Public Relations Officer and Trade Promoter Omprakash Dadlani, and CISF Senior Commander Ansari.

Most Criminals Linked to This Area: SP

East Kutch SP Sagar Bagmar stated that this operation was crucial from a coastal security perspective. Crimes like pipeline damage, oil theft, and other illegal activities were often linked to suspects from the Banna and IFCO slums. The operation was essential for national security and the protection of the port.

Illegal Encroachments Had Grown Over Five Decades

Port PRO Omprakash Dadlani mentioned that illegal encroachments had slowly started over the past 45 years, eventually spreading over 200 acres. The port administration had repeatedly issued notices to remove these encroachments, with a final announcement made a few months ago. Most of the slum dwellers were port laborers and fishermen.

6,000 Food Packets and 200 Workers Deployed

During the operation, the port ensured food was provided for the affected families through 6,000 food packets. To transport the displaced belongings, 200 workers and tractors were deployed, ensuring people were not left helpless.

Demolition in Banna Area Unfair: Muslim Leader

Muslim leader and former Congress secretary Haji Juma Rayma criticized the demolition of 500 homes in the Banna area by the Deendayal Port, calling it inhumane and a violation of basic rights. He suggested alternative arrangements should have been made before taking such action.

Locals Allege No Time Given to Remove Belongings

Encroachments were removed from the Banna area of Kandla under tight police security. Bulldozers were used to clear approximately 600 illegal structures. However, locals alleged that they were not given enough time to remove their belongings before the demolition.

Port Administration, SP, and CISF Mobilized

A mega demolition drive was launched with the help of 200 CISF personnel, over 550 police officers, 25 JCBs, 12 Hitachi Hydra machines, and around 200 trucks and dumpers. Port Chairman Sushilkumar Singh, Deputy Chairman Nandish Shukla, and East Kutch SP Sagar Bagmar were present during the operation.