Religious structure with bathtub inside, and other buildings: Why Jamnagar administration is clearing ‘encroachments’ along Rangmati river

“There are all sorts of residential, commercial and religious encroachments here, totalling more than 600 structures. While we cleared 294 structures yesterday (June 14), in total, we have cleared about 400 till now,” said Jamnagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Premsukh Delu on Sunday, adding that the drive is being conducted in a phase-wise manner.

The local administration has cited severe flooding, alleged encroachment by what they termed as miscreants, and plans for a riverfront development project, to rationalise the demolitions underway on Rangmati banks, one of the two rivers that flow through Jamnagar, the other being Nagmati. The Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) told the police that the valuation of the encroached land stood at approximately Rs 193.57 crore.

Talking about the religious structure, the largest that the JMC and the police have cleared till now, Delu said, “This particular religious structure was built like a fort and the inside was like a maze. The premises were large and built over 11,000 square feet (1,021 sq metres). There were several rooms and a bathtub inside. Outside the room, there was a warning that entry is restricted and allowed only by permission.”

Detailing on who took the action, Delu said, “It is a joint action by the JMC and the District Police. Apart from illegal homes of miscreants on our list, the civic body is also working on its pre-monsoon plan. There are plans to develop this area into a riverfront as well.”

Delu stated that encroachments are located mainly outside the walled city of Jamnagar, on the river banks. “Because of this, the river used to extend right up to the walls, causing the encroachments to enter deep into the river bed,” he added.

SP Delu said that Jamnagar city has regularly been facing a problem of severe flooding. “The CM’s (Bhupendra Patel) first visit after assuming office was to Jamnagar due to the floods. Last year (2024), again there were floods. The encroachment on the river is the reason why this problem was exacerbated,” the SP added.