BJP Junagadh District Panchayat Member Fined ₹2.97 Lakh For Illegal Farmhouse In Gir Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Junagadh district administration has initiated action against illegal hotels, resorts, farmhouses and roadside eateries operating in the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) along the sensitive boundary of Gir forest.

The crackdown has also brought a BJP member of the Junagadh District Panchayat under the scanner after an allegedly illegal farmhouse on agricultural land was found in Jalandhar village of Maliyahatina taluka.

BJP Leader Fined ₹2.97 Lakh

According to the report, Ramsinh Govindbhai Chauhan, a BJP member representing the Amarpur seat of the Junagadh District Panchayat, had allegedly constructed an illegal farmhouse on agricultural land bearing Survey No. 7/2/1 in Jalandhar village.

Following the Collector's directions, the authorities imposed a ₹2.97 lakh fine for the alleged violation.

Illegal Activities Recorded In Land Records

Following the Junagadh Collector's directions, the respective Mamlatdar offices have initiated legal action against around 40 allegedly illegal establishments across the district.

Farmers and influential individuals allegedly carrying out commercial activities on agricultural land have had entries regarding “illegal activity” and “breach of conditions” recorded in the relevant land records.

In the case of the BJP district panchayat member, a similar entry was reportedly made in the land records of his agricultural property in Jalandhar village under Entry No. 4482.

Crackdown On Illegal Construction Near Gir

The action comes amid concerns over illegal commercial activities in the Eco-Sensitive Zone surrounding Gir forest, an important habitat for Asiatic lions and other wildlife.

The district administration's action against such establishments has reportedly created concern among those allegedly carrying out unauthorised activities in the sensitive zone.