Rajkot: The mega demolition drive in the Jangleshwar area continued for the second straight day on Tuesday, with the authorities demolishing large and permanent structures as part of the operation.A total of 1,509 houses were demolished on Monday and Tuesday. Officials said about 2,500 tonnes of debris was cleared from the site as of Tuesday evening.Deputy municipal commissioner Mahesh Jani told reporters that all property holders had vacated their premises prior to the demolition, ensuring no clashes or untoward incidents occurred. The drive is being carried out peacefully under tight police security.As a result of the demolition campaign, encroachments along the TP Road have been completely cleared. Civic authorities said preparations for construction of a new road will begin on Monday, and a foundation-laying ceremony will be held.According to DCP (crime) Jagdish Bangarwa, properties linked to 11 history-sheeters living in Jangleshwar were razed. These included eight houses, 97 rooms, three shops and a 3,000 square-feet hall. Officials described the eight houses as “luxurious properties” belonging to the accused.Police said the accused lived in well-built houses while building small rooms along the riverbed and renting them out. The rental income was allegedly used to fund illegal activities. The demolition of multi-storey buildings and palatial bungalows is taking time as these can’t be torn down with excavators, he said.Besides 65 regular excavators, extra-large hydraulic excavators were used to raze the large bungalows, he added.The demolition is being carried out amid tight security, with the deployment of around 2,500 police personnel, including local police, surveillance teams, drone surveillance units, special operations group personnel, quick response teams (QRT) and the State Reserve Police Force.
