Gir Somnath (Gujarat) [India], September 28 (ANI): The district administration in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district launched an anti-encroachment drive on Saturday, demolishing nine illegally constructed religious structures, officials said.
As per officials, the demolition drive, carried out amid heavy police presence, aimed to clear unauthorized constructions behind the Somnath temple and the circuit house area.
Gir Somnath Superintendent of Police (SP) Manohar Singh Jadeja said that around 150 people were also detained during the operation, which will continue for two days. 
“Behind Somnath temple and the circuit house, there were many encroachments by anti-social elements. We have launched a demolition drive along with local administration. We have deployed 1,400 police personnel and detained around 150 people. Cases are being registered against them,” SP Jadeja said.
Gir Somnath Collector Digvijay Singh Jadeja said that nine illegal religious structures were demolished during the drive. Despite issuing notices, the occupants were not ready to clear their encroachments, leaving authorities with no option but to launch a demolition drive.
“Nine religious structures and 45 rooms were being used as musafir khana. The land, valued at an estimated Rs 320 crore, has been cleared following due procedures. The demolition started early this morning, and 102 acres have already been cleared. We will complete the drive within two days,” the collector added. (ANI)
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