In Gujarat, the state government recently undertook a large-scale operation to remove illegal encroachments on 102 acres of land surrounding the famous Somnath Temple. This area had been unlawfully occupied by various structures, including dargahs, mosques, shops, mausoleums, and burial grounds. These encroachments were found to be in violation of legal norms, prompting the government to take decisive action.
The clearance operation was carried out using 36 bulldozers, working both day and night to remove the unauthorized constructions. The decision to clear the encroachments was made to ensure better access for devotees and tourists visiting the Somnath Temple and to preserve the sanctity of the temple surroundings.
Somnath Temple is one of the most ancient and revered religious sites in Gujarat. Many people visiting the temple had reportedly faced difficulties due to the congested conditions caused by the encroachments. The government stressed that the removal was necessary to restore the area around the temple and make it more accessible to the public.
While the move was welcomed by many as a step towards maintaining the temple’s sanctity and ensuring order, it also sparked some controversy. A few groups criticized the government’s action, claiming that it was politically motivated and not purely based on legal considerations. Some viewed it as an act that could be seen through a religious or communal lens.
However, the Gujarat government defended its actions, stating that the decision was backed by legal provisions, with the primary goal being the preservation of the temple’s importance and ensuring that the rule of law was upheld in the region.
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