Viramgam clears 4,000 sq metres of encroachments along state highway 17 in major demolition drive

In one of the largest and most challenging anti-encroachment operations undertaken in recent years, authorities on Monday carried out a major demolition drive along State Highway 17 in Viramgam, clearing approximately 4,000 square metres of government land in a peaceful and orderly manner.

The operation was conducted on a nearly 400-metre stretch of road near Gangasar Lake, where religious structures, commercial establishments, and encroachments associated with a graveyard had allegedly occupied land earmarked for public infrastructure development and road widening.

According to officials, the demolition was part of a planned exercise aimed at facilitating the expansion of State Highway 17 and ensuring the smooth implementation of an important public infrastructure project.

Authorities said the district administration, the Roads and Buildings Department, and the police had been preparing for the operation for nearly two months. Given the sensitive nature of the encroachments and the potential for public unrest, extensive consultations were held with community leaders, religious representatives and local residents before the drive was carried out.

Officials stated that multiple meetings and discussions were organised to explain the legal process and address concerns raised by stakeholders. The administration maintained that the action was undertaken only after following all prescribed legal procedures.

To ensure law and order during the demolition, a massive security arrangement was put in place. The deployment included one Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), 15 Police Inspectors and more than 550 police officers and personnel from various units.

Authorities said the operation proceeded without any untoward incident, with law and order remaining fully under control throughout the day.

Officials described the exercise as one of the most significant demolition drives undertaken in Viramgam in recent years, crediting its successful execution to close coordination between the district administration and the police department.

The administration stated that the land reclaimed during the operation would now be utilised for the planned road expansion project, which is expected to improve traffic movement and public infrastructure in the area.