Alang Ship Breaking: Massive Demolition Drive to Reclaim 261 Hectares of Encroached Land
Bhavnagar district prepares for largest encroachment removal effort starting November 25
In a significant move to reclaim illegally occupied government and grazing lands, authorities in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district are set to launch a massive demolition drive in and around the Alang Shipbreaking Yard. Over the years, approximately 2418 encroachments have been identified across 261 hectares of land, including 81 hectares of Gaucher (pasture) land and 180 hectares of government fallow land. The operation, scheduled to begin on November 25, is expected to be the largest of its kind in the district.
Decades of Encroachments
Illegal encroachments have plagued the Alang region for decades, particularly on government wastelands and Gaucher lands meant for community use. A stretch of 11 kilometres from Trapaj to Alang and areas opposite the 10-kilometer-long shipbreaking yard have been hotspots for unauthorized activities. These lands, originally intended for communal grazing or other public purposes, were unlawfully occupied by individuals and businesses for commercial use.
Authorities have revealed that 1450 people encroached upon Gaucher’s land alone, turning it into a lucrative site for operations. The government has now initiated strict measures to reclaim these lands, beginning with the removal of 153 electricity connections from illegal properties.
Survey and Legal Notices
The reclamation effort has been preceded by extensive surveys and legal preparations. A team of 50 Talati cum Minister and Revenue Talati officials conducted detailed measurements and identified the encroachers. Following this, 202 legal notices were sent to 1934 individuals, instructing them to vacate the land.
Speaking about the initiative, J.R. Solanki, Provincial Officer of Talaja, stated, “All encroachments on government fallow and Gaucher lands have been verified, and survey work is complete. Full preparations have been made to initiate the removal operation with police security starting November 25.”
Impact on Businesses
A significant portion of the encroachments involves businesses associated with the shipbreaking industry, which is the backbone of Alang’s economy. Entrepreneurs running commercial ventures on these lands are now facing displacement. Many have already begun relocating their equipment, materials, and operations to other locations to avoid losses during the impending demolition.
The demand for legal land in the vicinity has surged, with property prices reportedly tripling in areas stretching from Alang to Mamsa. Meanwhile, some business owners have temporarily moved their machinery to nearby agricultural lands as they await clarity on the availability of legitimate alternatives.
Political Resistance and Legal Challenges
While the government has issued strict orders to proceed with the demolition, the move has met resistance from some politically connected individuals. Efforts are reportedly being made at higher levels, including Gandhinagar, to stall the operation or protect certain encroached areas.
Adding to the complexity, the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has come under scrutiny. Despite the government wastelands not falling under its jurisdiction, the GMB has allegedly rented out portions of these lands and collected taxes from businesses operating on them. Business owners who paid rent to the GMB are now seeking legal recourse. A court hearing on this matter is scheduled for December.
Pasture Land Controversy
Gaucher lands, traditionally designated for livestock grazing, have been among the most affected. Encroachments on these lands have deprived local communities of a vital resource, further exacerbating tensions.
Reports suggest that certain individuals not only occupied these lands but also rented them out for commercial purposes, earning significant revenue over the years. This practice has raised questions about accountability, with calls for a thorough investigation into those who benefitted financially from the illegal occupation.
Preparations for the Demolition
The government has ensured all necessary measures are in place to carry out the demolition smoothly. Police security will be deployed to maintain law and order during the operation. Most encroachers have already started vacating the premises, moving their equipment and goods to avoid forced eviction.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to reclaiming all encroached lands and restoring them to their intended purpose. The demolition is expected to send a strong message against illegal land occupation, ensuring that public resources are safeguarded for community use.
Looking Ahead
As Alang braces for this unprecedented crackdown, the focus now shifts to ensuring a fair resolution for all stakeholders. For businesses and individuals seeking to regularize their operations, identifying and acquiring legal land will be critical. Meanwhile, the government faces the dual challenge of executing the demolition effectively while addressing the legal and political fallout.
The upcoming demolition marks a turning point in the region’s governance, signalling the authorities’ resolve to uphold the rule of law and protect public assets. However, the process also underscores the need for better land management policies to prevent such encroachments in the future.
As the first wave of demolitions begins on November 25, all eyes will be on Alang to witness how the authorities navigate this complex and high-stakes operation.
