Kandla, Gujarat – In a decisive move to secure vital port infrastructure and pave the way for future development, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) carried out a major demolition drive on Monday morning, successfully reclaiming 100 acres of prime land near Liquid Jetty No. 7. The operation, which commenced at the break of dawn, resulted in the removal of approximately 500 illegal hutments that had sprung up in the port’s operational area.
Strategic Operation at Liquid Jetty 7
The comprehensive drive began promptly at 6:30 AM, executed by DPA officials with heavy police deployment to ensure law and order. According to port authorities, the targeted area was critical for port security and upcoming expansion projects. The illegal settlements, primarily consisting of semi-permanent shanties and hutments, had encroached upon land adjacent to the sensitive Liquid Jetty 7, posing potential safety risks to port operations.
“We had started the demolition drive at 6:30 AM and cleared the illegal settlements,” a DPA spokesperson confirmed to the press. “This demolition was carried out near Liquid Jetty 7, removing an estimated 500-odd hutments. We had warned them several times in the past about the impending drive.”
Due Process and Prior Warnings
Authorities emphasized that the eviction was not abrupt. The DPA had followed due legal process, issuing multiple warnings to the occupants over the preceding months. “The last formal notices were issued on November 25,” the spokesperson added, clarifying that the settlers were given ample time to vacate the premises before the final action was taken.
This adherence to protocol highlights the administration’s intent to balance firm administrative action with procedural fairness, though the displacement of hundreds of families remains a sensitive socio-economic issue in the region.
Paving the Way for Green Energy Projects
The reclamation of this land is not merely an administrative exercise but a strategic necessity for the port’s ambitious modernization plans. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairperson of the Deendayal Port Authority, highlighted the developmental roadmap for the cleared land.
“Many new projects are underway at Kandla Port related to capacity augmentation and green decarbonization, green hydrogen, and green methanol,” Singh stated. “So this land will be used for the new infrastructure projects that are coming up.”
The cleared area near the liquid jetty is expected to play a pivotal role in these green initiatives, aligning with India’s broader goals of energy transition and port modernization.
A History of Zero Tolerance
This operation fits into a broader pattern of vigilant land management by the DPA. The authority has maintained a strict zero-tolerance policy towards encroachments on government land, particularly in high-security zones like ports.
Officials noted that this is a continuation of ongoing efforts to secure port lands. In the previous year (2024), the DPA successfully cleared encroachments from over 200 acres of port land, reclaiming assets worth hundreds of crores. These periodic drives are essential to prevent the “creeping acquisition” of public land that often hampers large-scale infrastructure projects.
Security Implications
Beyond development, security remains a paramount concern. Kandla Port, being one of India’s busiest and most strategic maritime gateways, handles massive volumes of liquid cargo, including crude oil and chemicals. Unregulated settlements in such proximity to “Liquid Jetty 7” and other core operational areas present significant security vulnerabilities. By clearing these zones, the DPA aims to establish a sanitized buffer zone essential for the safety of critical energy infrastructure.
Conclusion
The successful completion of Monday’s drive marks another milestone in the Deendayal Port Authority’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and secure its assets. With 100 acres now freed for development, the path is clear for the implementation of cutting-edge green energy projects that promise to redefine the port’s operational capabilities in the coming years. Detailed indian express coverage from Mitha Port.
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