In the Marine National Park in the Arabian Sea, the Gujarat government has commenced a bulldozing drive to eliminate approximately 4,000 square feet of illegal encroachments on Pirotan Island. Jamnagar's Police Superintendent, Premsukh Delu, mentioned, 'The operation is primarily targeting unlawful religious structures. Concrete steps have been taken to return the island to its original state. Pirotan Island is crucial for national security and the marine ecosystem, and this stringent action by the state government aims to address these concerns effectively.'
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against such illegal occupations. Illegal encroachments spanning approximately 4000 square feet have been cleared off Pirotan Island. The administration demolished at least 9 unauthorized religious sites. Close to Pirotan Island are located 5 Single Point Moorings (SPM) that supply 60% of the country’s crude oil. Being part of the Pirotan Marine National Park, these encroachments were significantly damaging marine life, including corals.
The increase in movement due to encroachments posed serious national security threats, turning the area into a potential hub for activities related to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS). The encroachments were extensively damaging marine vegetation and were a critical threat to important industries and institutions like Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited, Reliance, Nayara Energy, Air Force Base, and Naval Base, due to unlawful trafficking.
The Gujarat government's decisive action is a pivotal move towards the protection of national security, conservation of marine biodiversity, and the safeguarding of the industrial and strategic infrastructure surrounding Pirotan Island. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to restoring the ecological and strategic integrity of this vital location.
