Gujarat Government, Army 'at war' over fort

Bhuj, May 22 (UNI) Army authorities have refused to return the historic Bhujja Fort to the kutch District administration despite an ultimatum issued by the District Magistrate to vacate the area.

The District administration had geared up to take possession of the Bhujja Fort, on 77 acres of land yesterday, but the Army authorities refused to vacate, leading to a surcharged atmosphere.

Army has informed that they will not vacate the Bhujja Hill area unless directed by the Defence Ministry.

Later, the situation was brought under control following the intervention of the State Chief Secretary who has taken up the matter with the Defence Ministry.

The Fort was given to the Army in 1964 to store arms and ammunition. However, after the 2001 earthquake, it was badly damaged and, on Army's request, the State provided alternate land for building a new depot near Bhuj. Thereafter, the Kutch Collector asked the Army to vacate the Fort.

The civil administration proposes to set up a park at the site and plant 13,000 trees in memory of those who had died in the 2001 earthquake. The project is estimated to cost Rs 19 crore.

UNI